“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?”
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? — Paul extends the claim: other apostles travel with wives; he and Barnabas do not (cf. v. 6). The inclusion of the adelphoi kyriou (Lord's brothers) and Peter (Cephas) establishes that even the closest associates of Jesus enjoy marital support. Paul asserts the right but indicates he exercises it differently.
Church Fathers on 1 Corinthians 9:5
“Have we no right to eat and to drink? Have we no right to lead about a wife that is a believer?” Why, how are these sayings a defense? “Because, when it appears that I abstain even from things which are allowed, it cannot be just to look suspiciously on me as a deceiver or one acting for gain.” Wherefore, from what was before alleged and from my having instructed you and from this which I have now said, I have matter sufficient to make my defense to you: and all who examine…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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