1 Corinthians 9:5
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?
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 19
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
οὐκ
G3756
ἔχομεν
Have we
G2192
ἔχομεν
Have we
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
3 of 19
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἐξουσίαν
power
G1849
ἐξουσίαν
power
Strong's:
G1849
Word #:
4 of 19
privilege, i.e., (subjectively) force, capacity, competency, freedom, or (objectively) mastery (concretely, magistrate, superhuman, potentate, token o
περιάγειν
to lead about
G4013
περιάγειν
to lead about
Strong's:
G4013
Word #:
7 of 19
to take around (as a companion); reflexively, to walk around
ὡς
as well as
G5613
ὡς
as well as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
8 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
G652
ἀπόστολοι
apostles
Strong's:
G652
Word #:
12 of 19
a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the gospel; officially a commissioner of christ ("apostle") (with miraculous powers)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
οἱ
G3588
οἱ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὶ
as the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὶ
as the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
15 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κυρίου
of the Lord
G2962
κυρίου
of the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Cross References
John 1:42And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.Matthew 8:14And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, he saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.Hebrews 13:4Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge.Acts 1:14These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren.1 Corinthians 7:39The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.1 Corinthians 7:7For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.Galatians 1:19But other of the apostles saw I none, save James the Lord's brother.Mark 1:30But Simon's wife's mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her.Mark 6:3Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.Romans 16:1I commend unto you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea:
Historical Context
First-century Jewish and Christian missionaries often traveled in pairs or groups for safety, accountability, and mutual support. Women served as patrons, hosts, and ministers in the early church (Rom 16:1-2; Phil 4:2-3). The fact that apostles' wives accompanied them suggests they actively participated in ministry, not merely as dependents but as co-laborers. This also implies the churches provided housing, food, and travel expenses for missionary families.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's reference to Peter, Jesus' brothers, and other apostles establish his equal standing?
- What does this verse reveal about women's active roles in early apostolic ministry?
- Why might Paul have chosen celibacy (1 Cor 7:7) despite having the right to marry?
Analysis & Commentary
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? Paul asserts a second apostolic right: to be accompanied by a believing wife at the church's expense. The phrase "lead about" (Greek periagō, περιάγω) means to bring along on missionary journeys. Other apostles, Jesus' biological brothers (James, Jude, etc.), and Peter (Cephas) all traveled with their wives, who were supported by the churches they served.
This detail reveals early church practice: apostolic ministry was not isolated asceticism but often a family affair, with wives serving alongside husbands. The mention of Cephas (Peter's Aramaic name) is strategic—Paul references the most prominent apostle to underscore that his own authority is equal. If Peter has the right to material support and a traveling companion, so does Paul. Yet once again, Paul will refuse this privilege (he remained single, 1 Cor 7:7-8), subordinating personal comfort to gospel effectiveness.