1 Corinthians 9:5

A sister. That is, a Christian woman, one who is a member of the church (see Rom. 16:1; 1 Cor. 7:15; James 2:15).

Wife. The phrase “a sister, a wife” should probably be connected as follows: “a sister as wife.” Like her husband, such a person would have the right to be maintained by the church. Paul here seems to be saying: “Do we not have the right to take a wife, who is a fellow believer, and travel with her at your expense, as the other apostles do?” Some have thought that a “sister” did not refer to a wife, but to a female attendant, who could minister to the apostles’ needs in the same way that certain women ministered to Christ (see Luke 10:38-42). But the reference to Peter, who was married (see Matt. 8:14; Mark 1:30), shows that wives are referred to.

As other apostles. This indicates that it was the general practice for the apostles to be married. There may have been several reasons why the apostles were accompanied on their journeys by their wives. In Oriental countries it is not easy for men to have an audience with women for the purpose of instructing them in religion, but the wives of the apostles could easily make such contacts. Thus it would be a great advantage for the apostles to have their wives with them to help them along domestic lines, as well as to care for them in times of sickness and persecution. Paul preferred the unmarried state for his own work (see on ch. 7:7), and there are, indeed, cases where a man may be able to do more acceptable work when unencumbered with a family. But there is definitely no Biblical ground for the enforcement of celibacy upon the ministry.

Brethren of the Lord. See on Matt. 12:46. At the beginning of Christ’s ministry His brothers did not believe in Him (see on John 7:3-5). Apparently they changed their attitude later, and were numbered among the preachers of the gospel. It is also evident from this statement that they were married and took their wives with them, at least on some of their travels. See on Acts 1:14.

Cephas. That is, Peter (see on Matt. 4:18; 16:18; Mark 3:16; 1 Cor. 1:12). For the fact that Peter was married see Matt. 8:14; Mark 1:30. Seeing that the apostle Peter, by his own act, gave his approval to the marriage of the clergy, it is strange that the one who claims to be his successor should forbid the clergy to marry!