What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 9:5? Have we no right • Paul is defending the God-given authority and practical needs of those who preach the gospel. In the immediate context he says, “Don’t we have the right to food and drink?” (1 Corinthians 9:4). The next verse adds the matter of family support. • The word “right” highlights that this is not a luxury but a legitimate claim. Paul later affirms, “In the same way, the Lord has prescribed that those who preach the gospel should receive their living from the gospel” (1 Corinthians 9:14; cf. Deuteronomy 25:4 applied in 1 Corinthians 9:9). • Although Paul often surrenders his rights for the sake of the gospel (1 Corinthians 9:12, 18), he insists the right itself is real and scriptural. To take along a believing wife • “Believing” shows the spiritual harmony expected in Christian marriage (2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39). • “Take along” implies travel in ministry. Maintaining marriage and family life on the road was not selfish; it honored God’s design that “the two shall become one flesh” (Matthew 19:5-6). • The verse also answers any suggestion that serving Christ demands celibacy. Marriage is good, and apostles may embrace it without apology, just as Peter reminds husbands to honor their wives (1 Peter 3:7). As do the other apostles • Paul’s appeal to “the other apostles” shows his practice was not abnormal; it was the norm. • We see apostles ministering with family or close kin: e.g., “When Jesus came into Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law sick with fever” (Matthew 8:14), revealing Peter’s marriage and household life. • Apostolic example sets a precedent: workers deserve support not only for themselves but also for dependents (cf. 1 Timothy 5:17-18). And the Lord’s brothers • James, Jude, and the rest of Jesus’ brothers became key leaders (Acts 1:14; Galatians 1:19). Their marriages were apparently recognized and supported during itinerant ministry. • By naming them, Paul reminds the church that even those physically related to Christ did not claim super-spiritual status through celibacy; they lived ordinary family lives while serving in extraordinary callings. And Cephas • Cephas (Peter) is singled out because Corinthian believers held him in high regard (1 Corinthians 1:12). If he traveled with his wife, how could anyone deny the same privilege to Paul and Barnabas? • Peter’s marriage is confirmed in the Gospels (Mark 1:30), and Church history indicates his wife accompanied him in ministry. • By invoking Peter, Paul leverages a respected example to reinforce his argument: consistent practice across trusted leaders confirms the principle. summary Paul’s simple question exposes an inconsistency in the Corinthians’ thinking. If other recognized apostles—Peter, the Lord’s brothers, and the wider missionary band—received support for their families on mission trips, then Paul and his co-workers possessed the same God-given right. The verse teaches that marriage is honorable, family needs matter, and churches should willingly provide for those who labor in the gospel, freeing them to serve without distraction. |
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