1 Corinthians 9:5
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Paul here subtly highlights that the norm among other respected leaders was to be accompanied by their wives, framing his own situation not as an unusual choice but as a deviation from common practice for the sake of the gospel. This isn't just about their personal lives, but about a recognized way of ministry that prioritized proclaiming the message without seeming to exploit it. The question itself is a gentle but firm assertion of his rights, rights that were understood and practiced by those closest to Jesus.
Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and his right to be supported by the church. He’s been arguing that even though he doesn’t exercise this right, he could, just like other recognized leaders such as the other apostles, Jesus' brothers, and Peter (Cephas). This verse highlights a specific privilege he’s choosing to forego, emphasizing that his lack of financial support isn’t due to a lack of legitimate claim.
Ever wondered about the personal lives of the first apostles? Paul mentions something here that might surprise you about their family lives.
Paul is defending his right to be supported financially by the churches he serves. He brings up a practical point: other apostles, like Peter (Cephas) and even Jesus' own brothers, had wives who traveled with them.
A Common Practice
This wasn't unusual. These were not just companions but partners who likely supported their husbands' ministry in tangible ways. The fact that they were 'believing wives' emphasizes they were part of the shared faith and mission.
Not a Requirement, But a Right
Paul isn't saying everyone must have a wife to do ministry, but that the apostles did have this right, and it was recognized. This sets the stage for his argument that he, too, has a right to financial support.
Paul could have demanded support, but he didn't. Why not, and what does this teach us about his motives?
Paul here is making a case for his rights as an apostle. He lists several rights in this chapter: the right to financial support, the right to marry, and the right to not work for a living while serving.
A Strategic Choice
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However, Paul chooses not to exercise this right to financial support from the Corinthians. He does this to avoid hindering the gospel. He didn't want anyone to accuse him of preaching for personal gain. His priority was the spread of the message, not his own comfort or privilege.
The Greater Good
By pointing out the practice of others, he shows he's not being uniquely difficult or unreasonable. He's simply exercising a right that was common among apostles. But his self-denial in this specific instance demonstrates a powerful commitment to the gospel's purity and acceptance.
Understand the original words
adelphēn · Greek Noun/Adjective
A woman who has placed her faith in Jesus Christ; in the context of the apostles, it refers to a Christian spouse who shares the same faith and accompanying ministry duties.
Kēphas · Aramaic/Greek Noun
The Aramaic name (meaning "Rock") given to Simon, one of the twelve disciples, highlighting his role as a prominent leader and eye-witness among the early apostles.
The question of apostles taking their wives on mission trips was a practical matter arising from the early church's itinerant lifestyle and the need for support, not a theological debate.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Call of Apostles
Jesus began his public ministry, calling disciples and apostles, some of whom were married men like Peter (Cephas).
c. AD 30-33
The Early Jerusalem Church
Following Jesus' ascension, the apostles and early believers formed a community in Jerusalem, experiencing initial growth and persecution.
c. AD 30-50
Apostolic Missionary Journeys
The apostles, including Paul, Peter, and others associated with Jesus' family (brothers of the Lord), began extensive missionary journeys across the Roman Empire.
c. AD 49
Council of Jerusalem
A crucial council addressed issues of Gentile inclusion and Jewish law, impacting the practices and unity of the early church.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
Paul spent significant time in Corinth, establishing the church there and dealing with various challenges and questions that later formed the basis of his letters.
c. AD 55
Writing of 1 Corinthians
Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus to address divisions, ethical issues, and theological misunderstandings within the Corinthian church.
This passage discusses the qualifications for widows in ministry, mentioning if they 'have shown hospitality and washed the feet of the saints, and relieved the afflicted, and devoted themselves to every good work,' which suggests a context where married women could be involved in supporting ministry leaders.
Acts 21:9This verse mentions that Philip the evangelist had 'four unmarried daughters who prophesied,' showing that female family members were present and active in ministry contexts during the early church period.
1 Corinthians 9:11-14Paul continues to argue for his right to financial support, comparing his rights to those of Old Testament Levites who ministered in the temple and ate from the temple offerings, reinforcing the idea of those in service having their needs met.
Matthew 19:27-29Peter reminds Jesus that 'we have left everything and followed you,' and Jesus affirms that those who have sacrificed earthly comforts for the kingdom will receive a hundredfold, including 'wives,' which speaks to the value and place of marriage even in radical discipleship.
Paul here subtly highlights that the norm among other respected leaders was to be accompanied by their wives, framing his own situation not as an unusual choice but as a deviation from common practice for the sake of the gospel. This isn't just about their personal lives, but about a recognized way of ministry that prioritized proclaiming the message without seeming to exploit it. The question itself is a gentle but firm assertion of his rights, rights that were understood and practiced by those closest to Jesus.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and his right to be supported by the church. He’s been arguing that even though he doesn’t exercise this right, he could, just like other recognized leaders such as the other apostles, Jesus' brothers, and Peter (Cephas). This verse highlights a specific privilege he’s choosing to forego, emphasizing that his lack of financial support isn’t due to a lack of legitimate claim.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and his right to be supported by the church. He’s been arguing that even though he doesn’t exercise this right, he could, just like other recognized leaders such as the other apostles, Jesus' brothers, and Peter (Cephas). This verse highlights a specific privilege he’s choosing to forego, emphasizing that his lack of financial support isn’t due to a lack of legitimate claim.
"Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?" — Paul here subtly highlights that the norm among other respected leaders was to be accompanied by their wives, framing his own situation not as an unusual choice but as a deviation from common pract…
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Last reviewed October 2026
