Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
We know for certain that Peter was married because he had a mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14). The apostle Paul, who was not married, asked the Corinthians whether he also did not have the right to take...
Login or Sign Up to view the rest of this answer.
Singapore Moses
Supporter
The biblical texts lend deeper, richer perspective on the phenomenon of the married Apostles. There is, of course, the famous Gospel passage in which Jesus cures Peter’s mother-in-law (Matthew 8: 14-15). We are not told how Peter’s wife reacted, but she surely must have been pleased. After all, contrary to much later legend, we know that Peter was not a widower or otherwise separated from her since both he and his wife traversed the Mediterranean together (I Corinthians 9: 5). And then there is a passage in the Acts of the Apostles (Acts 21: 8), which speaks of Philip the Evangelist and his four daughters. Was this Philip the Disciple of Jesus?. It describes Philip both as an “evangelis” and as one of the seven called to service.
Anson edment
Supporter
Praise the Lord Yes some disciples were indeed married like Peter. Before he was called as a disciple by Jesus but after his calling according to Mathew 4:19 he left all things and consecrated everything for the sake of ministry because Lord Jesus said in Luke 14:26 the qualification for a person to follow him as a disciple. Peter himself says about his consecration in Mathew 19:27 that he has left and forsaken everything and followed Christ. If its the case then ministry should be done according to ones calling, but incase if its an apostolic ministry the person should consecrate all things according to: Luke 14:26,33 John 12:25,26 Mark 10:21 Luke 8:22 Mathew 10:23 Philippians 3:8 1 Corinthians 7:22 KJV [22] For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord's freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ's servant. Here Paul says Christ's servants being left free. So even though certain disciples were married before their calling after their calling they were like brothers and sisters, as though they were not married as mentioned in 1 Corinthians 7:29
Alicia D
Supporter
I believe that there are indications of Paul being married such as that he may have been a Sadducee which would have granted him the ability to marry a wife. There is no reference of his wife but why think he wasn't married, it almost seems like judging without reason. Paul could have been a widow, which is likely because in Corinthians, he made reference to widows and singles (both are similar). Another reason of thinking Paul and other disciples were married because they commented on marriage, it doesn't make sense if they didn't experience personally. Alicia
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"There is reason to believe the apostle Paul was married but a widower when he wrote this. First of all, it fits well into the context here as he specifically addresses widows suggesting they “stay unmarried, as I am” (1 Corinthians 7:8). Secondly, there are indications Paul was a member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council, because in Acts 26:10 he says he cast his vote for the death of the believers. If he is not speaking figuratively and he was a member of the Sanhedrin, he was married as that was a requirement for membership."
Add your Answer
All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.
A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.
- Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
- Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
- Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
- Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
- For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible