Read & explore together
Timothy and Apollos
In these closing lines, Paul gives practical instructions about two fellow workers, Timothy and Apollos. The verses show how a church should treat the Lord’s servants with peace, respect and patience.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This short part of 1 Corinthians is written as personal instruction within a letter. Paul speaks directly to the Corinthians about Timothy’s possible visit, their responsibility towards him, and Apollos’s present decision not to come, even though Paul urged him.
1 Corinthians 16:10–12Main takeaway
These verses teach that believers should treat gospel workers with respect and peace, while recognising that different servants may come at different times.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Welcome Timothy without fearPaul says, “if Timothy comes”, which shows a possible visit rather than a certain one. If he arrives, the Corinthians are to make sure he is “with you without fear”.
Explanation
Paul says, “if Timothy comes”, which shows a possible visit rather than a certain one. If he arrives, the Corinthians are to make sure he is “with you without fear”. Paul gives a reason: Timothy “does the work of the Lord”, just as Paul does.
02Do not despise himPaul then gives a clear response to Timothy’s ministry. “Let no one despise him” means the church should not treat him with contempt or dismiss him.
Explanation
Paul then gives a clear response to Timothy’s ministry. “Let no one despise him” means the church should not treat him with contempt or dismiss him. Instead, they are to “set him forward on his journey in peace”, helping him continue and return to Paul, who expects him with the brothers.
03Apollos was urged, but did not come thenPaul next speaks “concerning Apollos the brother”. Paul strongly urged him to visit Corinth with the brothers, so Paul was willing for that visit to happen.
Explanation
Paul next speaks “concerning Apollos the brother”. Paul strongly urged him to visit Corinth with the brothers, so Paul was willing for that visit to happen. Yet Apollos himself did not want to come at that time. The verse reports his present decision without criticism.
04Different workers, shared serviceThese verses place Timothy and Apollos side by side. Timothy is to be welcomed and sent on in peace if he comes.
Explanation
These verses place Timothy and Apollos side by side. Timothy is to be welcomed and sent on in peace if he comes. Apollos is not coming now, though he may come later when he has opportunity. Paul’s words show respect for both men and for proper timing in ministry.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What reason does Paul give for making sure Timothy is with them without fear?
Look at the explanation in 1 Corinthians 16:10 and notice how Paul connects Timothy’s work with “the work of the Lord”.
02How are the Corinthians meant to treat Timothy before he leaves?
Use the two commands in 1 Corinthians 16:11 and notice both the negative instruction and the positive one.
03What does Paul say about Apollos coming to Corinth?
Read 1 Corinthians 16:12 carefully and compare Paul’s strong urging with Apollos’s own decision about the timing.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 16:10–12
10Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
11Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers.
12Now concerning Apollos the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.