1 Corinthians 16:10 - Meaning and Application

In this passage, Paul recommends Timothy to the Corinthians in several ways. First, he tells them to make sure Timothy can be with them without fear (1 Corinthians 16:10). Timothy was Paul’s messenger to correct the wrong practices that had grown among them. He would not only guide them, but also blame, correct, and reprove those who were doing wrong. The Corinthians were divided into factions, and their quarrels and hatred were likely very strong. Some were wealthy, and many were proud because of both outward riches and spiritual gifts. Proud people do not easily accept correction, so Paul warns them not to treat Timothy badly.

Paul does not mean Timothy was weak or unready for trouble. He knew Timothy had courage and wisdom. But it was still the Corinthians’ duty to treat him well and not discourage him in the Lord’s work. They should not respond angrily when he corrected them. Christians should receive faithful correction from their ministers and not frighten or discourage them from doing their duty.

Second, Paul warns them not to despise Timothy (1 Corinthians 16:11). Timothy was a young man and, as one writer notes, he was there alone. He had no one to support him, and his youth and appearance might lead some to look down on him. The Corinthians, who thought highly of their own wisdom, might be tempted to treat him with contempt. Paul says they must guard against that. He is not doubting Timothy’s conduct. Timothy would do nothing to make his youth shameful. But pride was a strong sin among the Corinthians, so this warning was needed. Christians should be careful not to show contempt for anyone, especially for ministers. Whether young or old, faithful ministers of Christ should be held in high regard because of their work.

Third, Paul tells them to encourage Timothy and treat him well while he is there. Then they should send him on his way in peace, well supplied for his return to Paul. That is what Paul means by bringing him on his journey in peace (1 Corinthians 16:11). Faithful ministers should not only be welcomed well when they serve among a people, but also sent away with proper respect.

Paul then gives reasons why they should treat Timothy this way. One reason is that Timothy was doing the same work as Paul and had the same authority in it (1 Corinthians 16:10). He was not there on Paul’s private business, but on the Lord’s work. Though Timothy was not an apostle, he was Paul’s helper and had been sent on this task by God’s commission. So if they hurt Timothy’s spirit, they would grieve the Holy Spirit. If they despised Timothy, they would despise the one who sent him, not merely Paul, but Paul’s Lord and theirs. Those who do the Lord’s work should be treated with tenderness and respect. This includes all faithful ministers of the Word, even if they do not hold the same rank as apostles. Pastors and teachers, like apostles and evangelists, deserve honor when they are doing their duty.

Another reason is implied. They should esteem Timothy for his work, and also for Paul’s sake, since Paul had sent him to Corinth. Paul says, in effect, “Send him on in peace, so that he may come back to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers” (1 Corinthians 16:11). The Greek wording can also mean, “I am expecting him with the brothers.” Paul was waiting for Timothy’s return and for the report he would bring about them. He would judge their respect for him by how they treated Timothy. They should be careful not to send Timothy back with a bad report. Since Timothy came from Paul on such an important mission, they should have received him well. His work among them, and Paul’s authority as an apostle, called for that response. They would hardly dare to send him back in a way that would grieve or anger Paul. Paul and the brothers were waiting for Timothy’s report, so they should treat him well, respect his message, and send him back in peace.

Paul then tells them about Apollos’s plan to visit them. Paul himself had strongly wanted Apollos to come to Corinth (1 Corinthians 16:12). Even though one group among them had sided with Apollos against Paul, Paul did not stop him from going. In fact, he urged him to go. Paul had no suspicion that Apollos would use the visit to weaken Paul’s influence and raise his own. Faithful ministers are not quick to suspect each other of selfish motives. True love does not assume evil. That kind of charity should be especially present among Christ’s ministers.

Apollos, however, was not persuaded to come right then, but said he would come when it was more suitable. The Corinthians’ divisions may have made the present time unwise. He would not go to become the leader of a party or support their quarrelsome spirit. After Paul’s letter and Timothy’s ministry had softened things, he may have thought a visit would be better. The apostles did not compete with one another. They cared about each other’s comfort and usefulness. Paul showed his concern for the Corinthian church, even after they had treated him badly, by urging Apollos to visit them. Apollos showed respect for Paul, and concern for Paul’s standing and authority, by waiting until the Corinthians were in a better frame of mind. It is very fitting for gospel ministers to care about one another’s reputation and usefulness, and to show that care openly.