1 corinthians 9:5 - Have we no right to take along a wife who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "1 corinthians 9:5" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 9:5, is part of Paul's argument defending his right to financial support from the Corinthian church. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"Have we no right..." Paul is rhetorically questioning whether he and Barnabas, his companion, don't have the same rights as other apostles and Christian leaders.
"...to take along a wife who is a believer..." This is the key part. The phrase "take along" is translated in various ways, but the underlying idea is whether they have the right to travel with a believing wife and have the church provide for her expenses along with their own.
"...even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?" Paul is giving examples of other prominent Christian figures who apparently did travel with their wives and were supported by the church.
"The rest of the apostles": This suggests that at least some of the other apostles were married and their wives accompanied them on their missionary journeys.
"The brothers of the Lord": This refers to the brothers of Jesus, who were also leaders in the early church. James, for example, was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. It seems they too were married and traveled with their wives.
"Cephas": This is another name for Peter (Simon Peter), one of the most prominent apostles. The verse directly implies that Peter was married and that his wife accompanied him.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"Don't we, Paul and Barnabas, have the same right as the other apostles, Jesus' brothers, and Peter, to travel with our believing wives and have the church provide for their support?"
Significance and Interpretation:
Right to Support: The primary focus is Paul's argument that ministers of the gospel have a right to financial support from those they serve. This includes support for their families if they are married.
Marriage Among Apostles: The verse clearly suggests that some, if not all, of the apostles were married. This is significant because it counters later traditions that promoted celibacy as superior.
Traveling Wives: The fact that these wives accompanied their husbands indicates their active participation in the ministry. They were not just passive bystanders, but likely provided support and assistance in various ways.
Important Considerations:
Paul's Choice: It's important to note that while Paul defends his right to this support, he chose not to exercise it fully. He often worked to support himself, as he mentions elsewhere in 1 Corinthians, to avoid being a burden and to maintain his independence.
Translation Differences: As mentioned earlier, different translations may use slightly different wording for "take along a wife." However, the core meaning remains the same.
Context of 1 Corinthians: It is essential to remember this verse is part of a larger discussion where Paul is discussing the freedom of the apostle and the right to be financially supported and provided for while spreading the gospel. He is not necessarily endorsing or discouraging marriage in general.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 9:5 is a significant verse because it implies that some of the apostles, including Peter, were married and traveled with their wives, and that the early church supported them financially. This verse sheds light on the marital status of early church leaders and the support provided to them and their families. It also reinforces Paul's argument for the right of ministers to receive financial support for themselves and their dependents.
1 corinthians 9:5 - Have we no right to take along a wife who is a believer, even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
What does "1 corinthians 9:5" mean?
This verse, 1 Corinthians 9:5, is part of Paul's argument defending his right to financial support from the Corinthian church. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:
"Have we no right..." Paul is rhetorically questioning whether he and Barnabas, his companion, don't have the same rights as other apostles and Christian leaders.
"...to take along a wife who is a believer..." This is the key part. The phrase "take along" is translated in various ways, but the underlying idea is whether they have the right to travel with a believing wife and have the church provide for her expenses along with their own.
"...even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?" Paul is giving examples of other prominent Christian figures who apparently did travel with their wives and were supported by the church.
"The rest of the apostles": This suggests that at least some of the other apostles were married and their wives accompanied them on their missionary journeys.
"The brothers of the Lord": This refers to the brothers of Jesus, who were also leaders in the early church. James, for example, was the leader of the church in Jerusalem. It seems they too were married and traveled with their wives.
"Cephas": This is another name for Peter (Simon Peter), one of the most prominent apostles. The verse directly implies that Peter was married and that his wife accompanied him.
In essence, Paul is saying:
"Don't we, Paul and Barnabas, have the same right as the other apostles, Jesus' brothers, and Peter, to travel with our believing wives and have the church provide for their support?"
Significance and Interpretation:
Right to Support: The primary focus is Paul's argument that ministers of the gospel have a right to financial support from those they serve. This includes support for their families if they are married.
Marriage Among Apostles: The verse clearly suggests that some, if not all, of the apostles were married. This is significant because it counters later traditions that promoted celibacy as superior.
Traveling Wives: The fact that these wives accompanied their husbands indicates their active participation in the ministry. They were not just passive bystanders, but likely provided support and assistance in various ways.
Important Considerations:
Paul's Choice: It's important to note that while Paul defends his right to this support, he chose not to exercise it fully. He often worked to support himself, as he mentions elsewhere in 1 Corinthians, to avoid being a burden and to maintain his independence.
Translation Differences: As mentioned earlier, different translations may use slightly different wording for "take along a wife." However, the core meaning remains the same.
Context of 1 Corinthians: It is essential to remember this verse is part of a larger discussion where Paul is discussing the freedom of the apostle and the right to be financially supported and provided for while spreading the gospel. He is not necessarily endorsing or discouraging marriage in general.
In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 9:5 is a significant verse because it implies that some of the apostles, including Peter, were married and traveled with their wives, and that the early church supported them financially. This verse sheds light on the marital status of early church leaders and the support provided to them and their families. It also reinforces Paul's argument for the right of ministers to receive financial support for themselves and their dependents.