Bible Questions and Answers

What does the Bible say about the disciple Peter's wife?

Regarding Peter's wife, not much is mentioned. However, what is mentioned is instructive.

1. 1. Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law

• 1. • Matthew 8:14–15, Mark 1:29–31, and Luke 4:38–39 all record that Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law.
     • That detail matters: You don’t have a mother-in-law unless you have a wife. So, even though she’s not named or described, Peter was definitely married.
  2. Paul confirms Peter traveled with his wife
     • The clearest explicit mention comes later from Paul the Apostle: “Do we not have the right to take along a believing wife, as do the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas?” — 1 Corinthians 9:5
       • “Cephas” is another name for Peter the Apostle
       • Paul indicates that Peter took his wife with him in ministry
       • She is described as a “believing” wife, meaning she was a Christian

     • This is the only verse that directly speaks of her as an active companion.

3. What we are not told

The New Testament is notably silent on many details:

• • • Her name is never given
    • No direct record of her words or actions
    • No description of their married life
    • No mention of children

That silence is striking, especially given Peter’s prominence.

Bottom line:

The New Testament gives you just enough to know:

• Peter was married
• His wife was a believer
• She likely accompanied him in his apostolic work

But beyond that, it leaves her entirely in the background, perhaps intentionally, keeping the focus on the message rather than the personalities.

I hope this has been helpful.

God bless you,
Mike LeDuke