Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas?
1 CORINTHIANS 9:5KJVWhat does 1 Corinthians 9:5 mean?
1 Corinthians 9:5 means that Paul is asking if he and his coworkers have the right to be accompanied by a believing wife, just like the other apostles, the brothers of Jesus, and Peter (Cephas) do. Paul is pointing out that others in ministry travel with their wives, and he is questioning why he should not have the same right.
Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, defending his rights as an apostle. Some people in Corinth questioned whether Paul had the same freedoms as other apostles. By mentioning the practice of the other apostles and church leaders, Paul highlights that it was normal for Christian workers to have their wives with them as they traveled and served.
The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 9:5
- ἐξουσίαν (exousian, "power"): This word is often understood as "authority" or "right." Paul is not talking about mere ability, but about a rightful privilege he could claim.
- περιάγειν (periagein, "to lead about"): The Greek here carries the sense of traveling with or taking along, not just being married. Paul is emphasizing the right to have a wife accompany him in ministry.
- ἀδελφὴν γυναῖκα (adelphēn gynaika, "a sister, a wife"): This phrase means a wife who is also a Christian believer ("sister" in the faith), not just any woman. Paul is clarifying that the wives of the apostles were fellow believers.
Why 1 Corinthians 9:5 matters
- This verse clears up the idea that apostles like Peter were married and that their wives traveled with them, which was accepted among early Christians.
- Paul’s point here is not about marriage itself, but about the rights and freedoms of those who serve in ministry, especially compared to others.
- This verse connects to the larger argument in 1 Corinthians 9, where Paul is defending his apostleship and explaining why he sometimes gives up his rights for the sake of the gospel.