5 Don't we have the right to take a believing wife along with us, as do the other apostles and the Lord's brothers and Cephas
5 Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife,
5 and we have a right to support for us and our families. You don't seem to have raised questions with the other apostles and our Master's brothers and Peter in these matters.
5 Do we have no right to take along a believing wife, as do also the other apostles, the brothers of the Lord, and Cephas?
5 Don't we have the right to bring a believing wife with us as the other apostles and the Lord's brothers do, and as Peter does?
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:5
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 9:1-14
(Read 1 Corinthians 9:1-14)
It is not new for a minister to meet with unkind returns for good-will to a people, and diligent and successful services among them. To the cavils of some, the apostle answers, so as to set forth himself as an example of self-denial, for the good of others. He had a right to marry as well as other apostles, and to claim what was needful for his wife, and his children if he had any, from the churches, without labouring with his own hands to get it. Those who seek to do our souls good, should have food provided for them. But he renounced his right, rather than hinder his success by claiming it. It is the people's duty to maintain their minister. He may wave his right, as Paul did; but those transgress a precept of Christ, who deny or withhold due support.