1 Corinthians 9:4

Have we not power to lead about a sister, a wife,.... The phrase "a sister, a wife", is an Hebraism, and answers to "my sister, spouse", Sol 4:9. The Jews called their wives, sisters, not on account…

Have we not power - (ἐξουσίαν exousian) Have we not the “right.” The word “power” here is evidently used in the sense of “right” (compare Joh 1:12, “margin”); and the apostle means to say that…

Have we not power to eat and to drink? - Have we not authority, or right, εξουσιαν, to expect sustenance, while we are labouring for your salvation? Meat and drink, the necessaries, not the…

Having asserted his apostolical authority, he proceeds to claim the rights belonging to his office, especially that of being maintained by it.

I. These he states, Co1 9:3-6. "My answer to those that…

Have we not power to eat and to drink? i.e. at the expense of the Church, cf. St Luk 10:7. This privilege, said St Paul's opponents, was confined to the original twelve Apostles of the Lord.