1 Corinthians 16:10-12·~1 min

Timothy and Apollos

If Timothy comes, Paul says, the Corinthians should make sure he has no reason for fear among them, because he is doing the Lord's work just as Paul is, and no one should despise him but send him on in peace. As for Apollos, Paul strongly urged him to visit with the brothers, but Apollos was not willing to come just now and will do so when he has opportunity.

I¹⁰f 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. ¹¹No 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. ¹²Now 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.

Section summaryPaul asks the Corinthians to receive Timothy without contempt or fear, since Timothy shares in the same work of the Lord. He also clarifies that Apollos was urged to come but is not coming now, which quietly keeps Corinth from turning apostolic relationships into factional signals once again.

Role in the chapterThis section handles familiar names in a way that protects the church from old habits of partiality. It treats co-workers not as party leaders but as fellow servants of the same Lord.