Bible Strands
1 Corinthians 9:5
Have we no right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the Lord’s brothers and Cephas?
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul addresses the Corinthian church while defending his apostolic standing and right to material support. He groups himself with Barnabas and poses a rhetorical question to align his conduct with other recognized leaders.
The words — ἐξουσίαν (exousian) carries the literal sense of legal authority or recognized right, while περιάγειν (periageist) means to travel with or take along. Paul uses these terms to frame his claim as a standard privilege rather than a personal demand.
The thread — The verse explicitly connects Paul’s question to the practices of other apostles, the Lord’s brothers, and Cephas, with John 1:42 and Matthew 8:14 identifying Cephas as Peter and confirming his marital status. Acts 1:14 records the Lord’s brothers and women praying with the disciples in Jerusalem, establishing their presence without implying they traveled as companions.
Why it lands — The text requires readers to acknowledge that spiritual leaders may legitimately exercise their rights while others choose differently. It sets up Paul’s subsequent argument that he voluntarily refuses his own privileges to avoid hindering the gospel.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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?
Cross-references
- John 1:42 Andrew brought him to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which is translated as Peter).
- Matthew 8:14 When Jesus arrived at Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick in bed with a fever.
- Acts 1:14 With one accord they all continued in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.
- 1 Corinthians 7:7 I wish that all men were as I am. But each man has his own gift from God; one has this gift, another has that.
- 1 Corinthians 7:39 A wife is bound to her husband as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry anyone she wishes, as long as he belongs to the Lord.
- Galatians 1:19 But I saw none of the other apostles except James, the Lord’s brother.
- Hebrews 13:4 Marriage should be honored by all and the marriage bed kept undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterers.
- Song of Solomon 4:12 My sister, my bride, you are a garden locked up, a spring enclosed, a fountain sealed.
- Song of Solomon 5:1 I have come to my garden, my sister, my bride; I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey; I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, and drink; drink freely, O beloved.
- Matthew 12:46 While Jesus was still speaking to the crowds, His mother and brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him.