1 Corinthians 16:11

16:11-12 Apollos: See study note on 1:12.

Tyndale Open Study Notes — © Tyndale Open Resources, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

1Co 16:11. Ἀυτὸν, him) a young man, Psa 119:141, νεώτερος ἐγώ εἰμι καἰ ΕΞΟΥΔΕΝΩΜΕΝΟΣ, I am rather young and am DESPISED.—ἀδελφῶν, the brethren) who likewise are looking for him; or else, who are likewise to come.

Bengel's Gnomon of the New Testament — English translation (T&T Clark, Edinburgh, 1860) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

1Co_16:11

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.

Therefore, i.e. because he works the work of the Lord, he is entitled to respect, and ought not to be despised. Perhaps it was Timothys youth that made the apostle specially solicitous on this account, 1Ti_4:12. But conduct him forth in peace; i.e. attend him on his journey in a friendly manner. That he may come to me. It was not Pauls wish that Timothy should remain in Corinth; but after having executed his commission, 1Co_4:17, he was to return to the apostle. He did thus return, and was with Paul when he wrote the second Epistle, 2Co_1:1. I expect him with the brethren, i.e. the brethren whom Paul had appointed as Timothys traveling companions. It is rare in the New Testament that we read of any one going on a missionary tour alone.

Charles Hodge — Commentary on Romans (1835), First Corinthians (1857), and Ephesians (1856) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Safe and sound, and that with all kinds of courtesy.

Geneva Bible (1599) marginal notes — public domain. Text via Bolls.life.

despise--This charge is not given concerning any other of the many messengers whom Paul sent. Ti1 4:12 accounts for it (compare Psa 119:141). He was a young man, younger probably than those usually employed in the Christian missions; whence Paul apprehending lest he should, on that account, be exposed to contempt, cautions him, "Let no man despise thy youth" [PALEY, Horæ Paulinæ].

conduct--set him on his way with every mark of respect, and with whatever he needs (Tit 3:13).

in peace-- (Act 15:33; Heb 11:31). "Peace" is the salutation of kindness and respect in the East; and so it stands for every blessing. Perhaps here there is too a contrast between "peace" and the "contentions" prevalent at Corinth (Co1 1:11).

I look for him--He and Titus were appointed to meet Paul in Troas, whither the apostle purposed proceeding from Ephesus (Co2 2:12-13). Paul thus claims their respect for Timothy as one whom he felt so necessary to himself as "look for" to him [THEOPHYLACT].

with the brethren--Others besides Erastus accompanied Timothy to Macedonia (compare Co1 16:12; Act 19:22).

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown — Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (1871) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

Verse 11. Let no man - despise him] Let none pretend to say that he has not full authority from God to do the work of an evangelist.

But conduct him forth in peace] I believe, with Bp. Pearce, that this clause should be translated and pointed thus: accompany him upon his journey, that he may come unto me in peace, (εν ειρηνη, in safety,) as the word is used in Mr 5:34; and Lu 7:50.

For I look for him with the brethren.] Εκδεχομαι - αυτον μετα των αδελφων. This clause should not be understood as if Paul was expecting certain brethren with Timothy; but it was the brethren that were with Paul that were looking for him; I, with the brethren, am looking for him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible (1810–1826) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

(11) For I look for him with the brethren.—Timothy and Erastus (Act_19:22) had been sent through Macedonia to Corinth some time before this Epistle was written, but when they had been despatched the full knowledge of the state of affairs at Corinth had not reached St. Paul. Now that he knows how very bad is the condition of the Corinthian Church, and what need it has of vigorous treatment, he sends not only his Epistle, but with it Titus and two other brethren. (See 2Co_8:18; 2Co_8:22-23.) In energy and firmness of character Titus was a striking contrast to Timothy, while he equally shared the spirit and confidence of St. Paul. (See Introduction, and 2 Corinthians 7, 8) He therefore was not only a bearer of this Epistle, but one fully competent and willing to deal energetically with the recalcitrant spirit of some sections of the Corinthian Church. The Apostle here expresses the hope that Timothy may join Titus and his party when they take their departure from Corinth.

A Bible Commentary for English Readers, edited by Charles John Ellicott (1878–1897) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

11. conduct him forth] This phrase is translated bring on a journey in 1Co_16:6. See note there.

with the brethren] i.e. those who took charge of this Epistle. Cf. passages cited in the first note on 1Co_16:10 and 2Co_8:22; 2Co_8:13; 2Co_9:3; 2Co_9:5. They were no doubt sent straight from Ephesus, and they might either find Timothy there, or he might reach Corinth after them. In either case he was to return with them.

The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges (gen. ed. J. J. S. Perowne; Cambridge University Press, 1878–1918) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

As touching our brother Apollos,.... Who was a senior man to Timothy, an eloquent preacher, one who had been at Corinth, and was well known to the saints there, and greatly approved by many of them; wherefore the apostle excuses it, that he should send the one, and not the other, and shows that it was no fault of his: for, says he,

I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren; who seem to be Timotheus and Erastus, see Act 19:22. He greatly importuned him to go along with them, knowing how acceptable he would be among them, and hoping he might be of great use to them in composing their differences, and rectifying their disorders.

But his will was not at all to come at this time; or "it was not the will"; that is, of God, as some supply it, for him to come now; or he had no mind himself, nor could he be persuaded; he had reasons to himself why he judged it not proper to come at present: however, for their encouragement it is added,

but he will come when he shall have convenient time; he is not averse to coming, but some things at present hinder him; when he has a suitable opportunity he will make use of it.

John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible (1746–1763) — public domain (CC PDM 1.0). Text via the HelloAO Bible API.

11 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.

Ver. 11. Let no man despise him] For his youth; for he hath lived much in a little time (as it is said of our Edward VI), and is an old young man, μειρακιογερων, as was Macarius the Egyptian.

John Trapp, A Commentary or Exposition upon All the Books of the Old and New Testament (1647–1656) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Let no man, therefore, despise him - Let no one despise him on account of his youth and inexperience. It is probable that some of the more wealthy and proud, some who valued themselves on their wisdom and experience, would be disposed to look upon him with contempt. On another occasion, he directed Timothy so to live as that no one should have occasion to despise him on account of his youth 1Ti 4:12; and he here urges on the Corinthians, that they should not despise him because be was a young man, and comparatively inexperienced. A minister of the gospel, though young, should receive the respect that is due to his office; and if he conducts himself in accordance with his high calling, his youth should be no barrier to the confidence and affection of even aged and experienced Christians. It should be rather a reason why they should treat him with affection, and encourage him in his work.

But conduct him forth in peace - That is, when he leaves you. Attend him on his way, and help him forward on his journey to me; see the note on 1Co 16:6.

For I look for him with the brethren - Erastus accompanied Timothy in this journey Act 19:22, and probably there were others with him. Titus also had been sent to Corinth 2Co 12:17-18, and it is not improbable that Paul had desired Titus to bring with him to Ephesus some of the Corinthian brethren, as he might need their assistance there - Grotius.

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible (1834–1885) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

Let no man therefore despise him; either because he is a very young man, 1Ti 4:12, or upon any other account.

But conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me; but when he cometh away, show him the respect you use to show me, conduct him in his way.

For I look for him with the brethren; for I have need of his help here, in carrying on the business of the gospel; and therefore I, with the brethren here, expect him; or, I expect him with the rest of the brethren, who are in like manner employed abroad in carrying about the gospel.

Matthew Poole's English Annotations on the Holy Bible (1683–1685) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

11. Despise him—Paul said to Timothy himself, “Let no man despise thy youth,” (1Ti_4:12,) as if his youth were the only thing that could be despised.

In peace—As with a parting salaam.

With the brethren— What brethren these were with whom he wished Timothy to come is uncertain. Stanley suggests that the bearers of this epistle were to be a sort of mission to Corinth, with Apollos at their head, but that he declined. “This mission was composed of Titus and two other brethren,” (2Co_8:18; 2Co_8:22-23,) whose names are not mentioned. With these brethren, probably, it was that Paul expected Timothy to come.

Daniel D. Whedon (gen. ed.), Commentary on the Old and New Testaments (1874–1909) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

Let no man therefore despise him. His youth and modesty seemed to invite a contempt which was only too consonant with the character of the Corinthians. I look for him with the brethren. There was a reason for adding this. The Corinthians would see that any unkindness or contempt shown towards Timothy would at once be reported to St. Paul. Who "the brethren" are is not mentioned, for in Act_19:22 we are only told that Timothy was accompanied by Erastus. Perhaps St. Paul means with the brethren who conveyed this letter (see ver. 12), and who, as he supposed, would meet with Timothy at Corinth, or fall in with him on their return to meet St. Paul in Macedonia. One of these brethren must have been Titus, (2Co_2:13 2Co_7:6, 2Co_7:7) and there were two others.

The Pulpit Commentary (1880–1919), ed. H.D.M. Spence-Jones & Joseph S. Exell — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

I look for him with the brethren -- that accompany him.

John Wesley, Explanatory Notes Upon the Whole Bible (1754–1765) — public domain. Text via the GEBible commentary corpus.

let no man therefore despise him [ 1Ti_4:12 ]. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren. [Timothy, as we have seen, went the long route by way of Macedonia, no doubt visiting the churches as he journeyed. Soon after his departure the messengers from Corinth arrived, bringing the letter from that church, and Paul sends this answer to it by Titus. Now, Titus was evidently despatched by the short route across the sea, with instructions to return by way of Macedonia. Therefore Paul uses "if," for he supposes that Titus may reach Corinth, discharge his errand, start through Macedonia, and there intercept Timothy so as to prevent his ever reaching Corinth. And this very thing seems to have happened, for Titus and Timothy, returning, evidently met Paul at Philippi, where he wrote his second Corinthian letter ( 2Co_1:1 ); yet only Titus is spoken of as having brought any report of the condition of affairs at Corinth ( 2Co_7:6-7 ). The Corinthians, therefore, had no chance to show their love for Paul by their welcome of Timothy. Paul's words with regard to him remind us that he was at that time a young man and liable to be intimidated by the factious, arrogant spirit of the Corinthians. Timothy seems to have been of a diffident and sensitive nature ( 1Ti_5:21-23 ; 2Ti_1:6-8 ). Paul warns them that any unkindness shown to this young man will soon be reported him, for he expects Timothy to return with Titus, Erastus and those with them-- Act_19:22 ; 2Co_12:17-18 ; 2Co_8:18 ; 2Co_8:23 ]

J. W. McGarvey (with Philip Y. Pendleton), Commentaries on the New Testament (The Fourfold Gospel, 1914; Acts; and the epistles) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword/MySword module.

11. Let no man despise him. He was a young man. See 1 Tim. 4:12. I expect him with the brethren. That he came with them, as expected, is seen from 2 Cor. 1:1.

B. W. Johnson's The People's New Testament with Notes (1889–1891) — public domain. Electronic text from the Christian Classics Ethereal Library (CCEL) ThML edition.

11. προπέμψατε. See 1Co 16:6.

μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν, i.e. those who took charge of this Epistle. See passages cited in the second note on 1Co 16:10, and 2Co 8:22-23; 2Co 9:3; 2Co 9:5. They were no doubt sent straight from Ephesus, and they might either find Timothy there, or he might reach Corinth after them. In either case he was to return with them.

Cambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges (Cambridge University Press, 1896; 21 vols, various authors incl. Carr, Maclear, Plummer, Farrar, Lumby, Moule, M. R. James, Simcox) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

11.] Recommendation of Timothy to their good reception and offices. He had preceded Paul (Act 19:22) in the journey to Macedonia. From ἐὰν ἔλθῃ, it would appear to have been probable, but not quite certain, that he would visit them. In ch. 4:17, he is described as sent on for that purpose: so that the ἐάν may merely refer to the uncertainties of the journey.

11. ἐν εἰρήνῃ] χωρὶς μάχης καὶ φιλονεικίας, Theophyl., and similarly Chrys.

ἵνα ἔλθ.] the aim of προπέμψ..

ἐκδέχ. γὰρ αὐτ.] καὶ τοῦτο φοβοῦντος αὐτοὺς ἦν. ἵνα γὰρ εἰδότες, ὅτι πάντα εἰρήσεται πρὸς αὐτὸν ἅπερ ἂν πάθῃ, ἐπιεικέστεροι γένωνται, διὰ τοῦτο προσέθηκεν· ἐκδ. γ. αὐτ. Chrys. Hom. xliv. p. 407. Theophyl. adds, ἅμα δὲ καὶ αἰδεσιμώτερον αὐτὸν ποιῶν, εἴγε οὕτως ἀναγκαῖον τοῦτον ἔχει, ὥστε ἐκδέχεσθαι αὐτόν.

By μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν it would appear, comparing ver. 12, that more brethren besides Erastus (Act 19:22) accompanied Timotheus to Macedonia. It is hardly probable (as Calov. and De W., al.), that μετὰ τ. ἀδ. is to be taken with ἐκδέχομαι: ‘I and the brethren expect him.’

Henry Alford, The Greek Testament (1849–1861) — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.

11. μή τις οὖν αὐτὸν ἐξουθενήσῃ. ‘Let no one therefore set him at nought—treat him as of no account.’ (1:28, 6:4; 2Co 10:10; Gal 4:14; 1Th 5:20). Except Mar 9:12, the verb is found only in Paul and Luke. It is stronger than καταφρονείτω (1Ti 4:12; comp. 11:22). Beng. quotes, νεώτερος ἐγώ εἰμι καὶ ἐξουδενωμένος (Psa 119:141: adolescentulus sum ego et contemptus; but here the Vulg. has spernat, with contemnere for καταφρονεῖν.

ἐν εἰρήῃ. To be taken with προπέμψατε, not with ἵνα ἔλθῃ, which would have little point. ‘When he departs, let him see that he has your good will, and that he leaves no bad feeling in any of you.’ ‘In peace’ at the conclusion of his intercourse with them will be a fitting result of ‘without fear’ at the beginning of it. The last clause shows why they ought to set Timothy forward on his journey with peace and good will; he will be on his way to the Apostle, who is expecting him.

μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν. Erastus is the only one mentioned in Act 19:22; but there may have been others, or St Paul may have expected others. The words need not mean more than that Timothy is not likely to come alone. This, however, is so unimportant a meaning that some prefer taking μετὰ τ. ἀδ. with ἐκδέχομαι: ‘I am expecting him and so are the brethren.’ This is an awkward construction, but it has more point. ‘The brethren’ in this case will be the same as ‘the brethren’ in v. 12, viz. those who brought the letter from Corinth and are waiting to take back the Apostle’s reply. The meaning would then be, ‘Send him back to me in peace, and then the brethren who are waiting for him will be able to start with my answer to you’.

International Critical Commentary — older volumes (1896–1929), various authors — public domain. Text from a community e-Sword module.