1 Corinthians 16:10-14 (WEL) 10 Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he may be with you without fear, for he is engaged in the Lord’s work just as I am. 11 Therefore, let no one despise him, but send him on with peace so that he may come to me, for I look for him along with the brethren. 12 Concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you along with the brethren, but it was not his will to come at this time, but he will come when he has the opportunity. 13 Be on the alert; be firmly standing in the faith; don’t be cowardly; be strong. 14 Let everything you do be with love.
V10 Now if Timothy comes, see to it that he may be with you without fear, for he is engaged in the Lord’s work just as I am.
May Timothy be welcomed not with arguments or heated verbal argument.
V11 Therefore, let no one despise him, but send him on with peace so that he may come to me, for I look for him along with the brethren.
The Greek word for despise is (G1848) ἐξουθενέω exouthenéō, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “The verb can also denote the disregard and belittling that sometimes accompanies a person or idea in whom one sees no merit or worth.” We need to respect faithful brothers and sisters for their ministry when their ministry aligns with the standards of the New Testament.
Send him on his journey with peace, supplying what he needs as food, etc., and fellowship.
V12 Concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you along with the brethren, but it was not his will to come at this time, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
Paul must have mentioned Apollos might come but tells them that he is not able to come at this time. Note that it is his will, not a theistic determinism will. These words are inspired by the Holy Spirit, so don’t twist the plain, normal meaning of the words.
V13 Be on the alert; be firmly standing in the faith; don’t be cowardly; be strong.
Our whole Christian life is under attack. The devil is very evil and seeks to destroy, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). There are many enemies, especially from the devil (1 Peter 5:8).
V14 Let everything you do be with love.
The Greek word for love is (G0026) ἀγάπη agapē. This is the highest and greatest love. The attributes of this love are found in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a. The summary of love is found in Luke 10:27. It is a pleasurable love, not fulfilling lusts, but heartfelt, sincere love. The greatest example is found in John 3:16.
We learn:
• How to help traveling evangelists.
• How to bless them, not argue with them.
• Everything should be done in love—thinking, actions, words, expressions, etc.
Questions:
• Do you help traveling evangelists or other Christian workers?
• Are you doing everything in love?