9:1 an apostle. Evidently a key requirement for the apostolic office was that of having been directly chosen and called by Jesus Christ in person, as Paul had been on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:3-6,15-16). Note also the requisites for choosing a successor to Judas (Acts 1:21-22), indicating they also must have witnessed the resurrected Christ. Thus, no true apostles are living today.

9:5 a sister, a wife. Although Paul had recommended the celibate state as conducive to full-time dedication to the Lord’s service (I Corinthians 7:32-33), he clearly recognized that it was also good to be married (I Corinthians 7:2,38), and that even the apostles had such a right if they so chose. There is no Biblical requirement for a celibate clergy. Peter (same as “Cephas”), for example, had a wife (Matthew 8:14).