1 Corinthians 9:5
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)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
Paul isn't just asking if apostles can have wives; he's highlighting that this was a common, accepted practice among the most respected leaders of the early church. This wasn't a radical idea or a special privilege he was claiming, but a shared norm that others, like Peter (Cephas) and Jesus' own brothers, followed. It emphasizes that his choice not to exercise this right for the sake of the gospel was a sacrifice, not an obligation.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the way he chooses to live his ministry, contrasting it with others. He’s been challenged by the Corinthian church, who perhaps felt he wasn’t a "real" apostle because he didn't exploit his rights, like taking financial support or bringing his wife. This verse is part of his argument that while he could exercise these rights, he chooses not to for the sake of the gospel.
Paul talks about the 'right' to have a wife, but why is he even bringing this up? It seems like a basic right for any married person.
In 1 Corinthians, Paul is addressing issues where the Corinthian church is questioning his authority and apostleship.
The 'Right' to Support
Paul, like other apostles, had a right – an entitlement given by Jesus – to be supported financially by the churches he ministered to. This right extended to taking along a wife and providing for her as well.
Why Mention It?
He brings up the 'right to a believing wife' not to boast, but to establish his legitimacy and the legitimacy of other apostles. It's a way of saying, 'We operate under the same principles and divine allowances as everyone else who serves the Lord.' He's defending his actions and setting a standard, showing that his choices weren't arbitrary but based on established apostolic practice.
Paul specifically mentions a 'believing wife.' What's so important about her faith in this context?
The inclusion of 'believing wife' isn't just a detail; it's crucial.
Shared Ministry
It implies that the wife was not merely a passenger but a partner in the ministry. A 'believing wife' would share in the faith, the calling, and likely the hardships and joys of apostolic work. This shared commitment would make her presence a natural and beneficial part of the ministry team.
Avoiding Disruption
Furthermore, having a wife who also shared the faith meant she would understand the demands of the ministry, reducing potential friction and ensuring stability. It points to a partnership that supported, rather than hindered, the apostles' mission.
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 about taking wives highlights the practical challenges and differing customs within the early apostles' ministry, as they navigated their new life of mission and itinerant preaching.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus Calls the Twelve Apostles
Jesus commissions his closest disciples to be with him and to preach. They leave their homes and professions to follow him.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Teaching
Jesus teaches extensively, and the apostles travel with him, observing his ministry and learning how to live and minister. The text implies that some apostles, and
c. AD 33
The Ascension and the Great Commission
After Jesus' resurrection, he instructs his followers to go and make disciples of all nations. This marks the beginning of their wider, independent ministry.
c. AD 33-60— this verse
Apostolic Ministry and Travel
The apostles, including Peter (Cephas), James, and others, travel throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches and spreading the gospel.
This passage immediately follows, reiterating the Apostle Paul's right to financial support from the church, even though he chose not to exercise it, paralleling his choice about marriage.
Matthew 19:10-11Jesus speaks about the unique calling of some to remain unmarried for the sake of the kingdom of heaven, providing a theological backdrop to Paul's situation and choices.
1 Corinthians 7:8Paul directly addresses the unmarried and widows, suggesting it is good for them to remain as he is, reinforcing the idea that his unmarried status was a deliberate, recognized choice.
Galatians 2:9This verse shows the apostles recognized Peter (Cephas), James, and John's leadership, highlighting the 'pillars' Paul refers to and their shared apostolic authority, which included their family arrangements.
Paul isn't just asking if apostles can have wives; he's highlighting that this was a common, accepted practice among the most respected leaders of the early church. This wasn't a radical idea or a special privilege he was claiming, but a shared norm that others, like Peter (Cephas) and Jesus' own brothers, followed. It emphasizes that his choice not to exercise this right for the sake of the gospel was a sacrifice, not an obligation.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the way he chooses to live his ministry, contrasting it with others. He’s been challenged by the Corinthian church, who perhaps felt he wasn’t a "real" apostle because he didn't exploit his rights, like taking financial support or bringing his wife. This verse is part of his argument that while he could exercise these rights, he chooses not to for the sake of the gospel.
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about 1 Corinthians 9:5 is available in the Sola app.
c. AD 50-52
Council of Jerusalem
A significant meeting where early church leaders debate and decide on issues concerning Gentile converts, affirming the inclusion of non-Jews into the Christian faith.
c. AD 55
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
Paul writes this letter from Ephesus to the church in Corinth, addressing various issues of division, doctrine, and practice.
Paul is defending his apostolic authority and the way he chooses to live his ministry, contrasting it with others. He’s been challenged by the Corinthian church, who perhaps felt he wasn’t a "real" apostle because he didn't exploit his rights, like taking financial support or bringing his wife. This verse is part of his argument that while he could exercise these rights, he chooses not to for the sake of the gospel.
"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 isn't just asking if apostles can have wives; he's highlighting that this was a common, accepted practice among the most respected leaders of the early church. This wasn't a radical idea or…
