1 Corinthians 16 10

1 Corinthians 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.

1 Corinthians 16:10 nkjv

And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.

1 Corinthians 16:10 niv

When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.

1 Corinthians 16:10 esv

When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.

1 Corinthians 16:10 nlt

When Timothy comes, don't intimidate him. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 10 meaning

1 Corinthians 16:10 instructs the Corinthian believers to receive Timothy without hostility or fear-inducing behavior, but rather with respect and security. Paul emphasizes that Timothy is performing God's sacred work, just as Paul himself does, thereby validating Timothy's authority and mission among them.

1 Corinthians 16 10 Context

Chapter 16 concludes Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, shifting to practical matters after addressing significant doctrinal and ethical issues. Verses 1-9 discuss the collection for Jerusalem saints and Paul's future travel plans. This particular verse (16:10) and the subsequent verse regarding Apollos (16:12) introduce specific instructions about Paul's co-workers who were either with him or on their way to Corinth.

Historically, Corinth was a cosmopolitan, affluent Roman colony notorious for its immorality, diverse philosophical schools, and strong pagan influences, including the temple of Aphrodite. The Corinthian church, though gifted, was deeply fragmented by factionalism, pride, and challenges to apostolic authority. Ministers often faced opposition, ridicule, or disregard, especially if perceived as young or less eloquent. Paul, aware of Timothy's potentially timid nature and the Corinthian church's turbulent environment, seeks to preemptively safeguard Timothy's reception and ministry among them.

1 Corinthians 16 10 Word analysis

• If (Εάν / ean): Introduces a condition or possibility, indicating that Timothy's arrival was expected but not entirely certain, or it signifies that Paul is providing instructions in case he arrives before Paul himself does. It conveys expectation without absolute declaration.

• Timothy (Τιμόθεος / Timotheos): A deeply trusted associate and spiritual son of Paul. He was often sent by Paul to crucial, sometimes challenging, locations to represent his authority and teachings (cf. 1 Cor 4:17). His name means "honoring God."

• comes (ἔλθῃ / elthē): A straightforward verb, yet paired with 'if,' it implies a journey that could be fraught with uncertainties.

• see that (βλέπετε / blepete): An imperative verb, "watch, observe, take heed." It's a direct command, placing the active responsibility on the Corinthians to ensure Timothy's welfare, not merely to passively receive him. It demands deliberate action and discernment.

• he has nothing to fear (ἀφόβως γένηται πρὸς ὑμᾶς / aphobos genētai pros hymas): Literally, "that he might become fearless toward you." The term aphobos means "without fear, securely, confidently." This phrase underscores the potential for Timothy to encounter apprehension, opposition, or a hostile atmosphere among the Corinthians. Paul commands them to create an environment free from such anxieties, ensuring his psychological and physical safety.

• among you (πρὸς ὑμᾶς / pros hymas): Specifically identifies the Corinthians as the context and subjects of this interaction and the responsibility.

• for (γάρ / gar): Introduces the reason or justification for the preceding command. It logically connects the instruction to the basis of Timothy's ministry.

• he is doing the work of the Lord (ἔργον γὰρ Κυρίου ἐργάζεται / ergon gar Kyriou ergazetai): This is Paul's strong endorsement and validation of Timothy's ministry. Ergon Kyriou refers to divine work, the mission and labor ordained by God. The doubling of the verb ergazetai ("is doing") with ergon ("work") emphasizes the active engagement and the substantial nature of his labor. It's not Timothy's personal agenda but God's. This elevation implicitly combats any tendency to dismiss Timothy based on his youth or perceived lack of gravitas.

• just as I am (ὡς κἀγώ / hōs kagō): A direct and powerful comparison, placing Timothy's work on the same level of authority and divine approval as Paul's own apostleship. In a church questioning Paul's authority, this statement is highly significant for Timothy. It also counters potential factionalism, aligning Timothy with Paul's established apostolic mission rather than any rival groups.

1 Corinthians 16 10 Bonus section

• The instruction to make Timothy "fearless" might hint at Timothy's inherent timidity, which is subtly referenced elsewhere (e.g., 2 Tim 1:7, though debated if specific to fear of ministry or a general disposition). Paul is empowering him through the Corinthians' treatment.
• Paul often used delegates like Timothy and Tychicus to address sensitive church matters, deliver letters, and provide an on-the-ground report, emphasizing the collaborative and delegated nature of early apostolic ministry.
• The phrase "the work of the Lord" encompasses not only preaching and teaching but also organizing, edifying, and challenging the church to holiness, all central to apostolic functions in the New Testament.

1 Corinthians 16 10 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 16:10, Paul provides a critical directive for the Corinthian church concerning Timothy, who he likely sent ahead as his trusted delegate. This verse acts as both an apostolic safeguard and a profound validation of ministry. Paul's command "see that he has nothing to fear" is a strong admonition. It recognizes the potential for resistance, discourtesy, or even hostility Timothy might face in the fractious and proud Corinthian community. It calls the believers to active hospitality and protection, moving beyond passive acceptance to intentional cultivation of a safe environment.

The foundational reason for this imperative is theological: Timothy's work is not merely human endeavor, but "the work of the Lord." This statement elevates Timothy's status and mission, grounding it in divine authority, much like Paul's own. By explicitly stating "just as I am," Paul ensures that Timothy's ministry carries the full weight of Paul's apostolic commission. This comparison is vital in Corinth, where Paul's authority was often challenged, and serves to establish Timothy's legitimacy and the sacredness of his tasks, thereby demanding the same respect and cooperation given to Paul.

The verse encapsulates practical leadership in action: protecting vulnerable co-workers, affirming their divine calling, and preempting church divisions. It reminds believers that true ministry, regardless of the instrument, deserves honor and protection, for it is ultimately God's work.