10Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he is fearless among you — for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I also am. [16:11] Let no one therefore treat him as utterly worthless; rather, do equip him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me — for I, with the brothers, am expecting him. [16:12] Now concerning Apollos the brother: I strongly urged him that he might come to you with the brothers, and it was certainly not at all his will that he should come now — but he will come when he finds opportunity.
1CO 16:10-12
Timothy and Apollos
In the world it was spoken into
In the Greco-Roman world, the sending and receiving of emissaries was a common practice, often tied to networks of patronage and honor. Timothy, mentioned here, is a young associate of Paul, likely seen as his protégé. In a culture where age and status were deeply respected, Timothy’s youth might have made him vulnerable to being disregarded or treated as insignificant . Paul’s instruction to 'take care' that Timothy is received without fear underscores the need for the Corinthian community to honor him as a fellow worker in the Lord’s mission. The term (send on the way) implies providing practical support, such as supplies or an escort, reflecting the hospitality expected in Mediterranean society. Apollos, a respected teacher, is also mentioned, but his decision to delay his visit highlights the autonomy of leaders in the early Christian movement. Paul’s appeal to Apollos suggests a relationship of mutual respect and collaboration, not coercion.
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How other translations render this
1CO 16:10
- KJV
- Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
- BSB
- If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
- Koinōnos
- Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he is fearless among you — for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I also am.
1CO 16:11
- KJV
- Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
- BSB
- No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
- Koinōnos
- Let no one therefore treat him as utterly worthless; rather, do equip him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me — for I, with the brothers, am expecting him.
1CO 16:12
- KJV
- As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
- BSB
- Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
- Koinōnos
- Now concerning Apollos the brother: I strongly urged him that he might come to you with the brothers, and it was certainly not at all his will that he should come now — but he will come when he finds opportunity.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1CO 16:10
- do see:The word translated 'do see' here implies a careful, watchful observation, suggesting a need for the Corinthians to pay close attention to Timothy's conduct and needs.
1CO 16:11
- may despise;:The word translated 'may despise' carries a strong sense of treating someone as utterly worthless or insignificant, not just looking down on them.
- do equip:The word translated 'do equip' meant more than just sending someone off; it involved providing all necessary provisions and assistance for a journey, ensuring their well-being.
1CO 16:12
- I exhorted:The word translated 'I exhorted' encompasses a range of meanings from urging and encouraging to comforting and pleading, indicating a strong and earnest appeal.