1 Corinthians 16 12

1 Corinthians 16:12 kjv

As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.

1 Corinthians 16:12 nkjv

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brethren, but he was quite unwilling to come at this time; however, he will come when he has a convenient time.

1 Corinthians 16:12 niv

Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was quite unwilling to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.

1 Corinthians 16:12 esv

Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

1 Corinthians 16:12 nlt

Now about our brother Apollos ? I urged him to visit you with the other believers, but he was not willing to go right now. He will see you later when he has the opportunity.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 12 meaning

In this verse, Paul addresses the Corinthian church's inquiries regarding Apollos, an important Christian leader and co-worker. Paul reveals that he strongly urged Apollos to visit Corinth with other brothers, demonstrating Paul's desire for their spiritual benefit. However, Apollos declined to come at that particular time, choosing instead to wait for a more suitable opportunity. Paul transparently communicates Apollos' decision, subtly reassuring the Corinthians that there is no conflict between the leaders, despite the internal divisions in Corinth that tried to align themselves with either Paul or Apollos.

1 Corinthians 16 12 Context

Chapter 16 concludes Paul's letter to the Corinthians, providing final instructions and personal updates. Preceding this verse, Paul addresses practical matters such as the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (16:1-4), outlines his own travel plans (16:5-9), and commends Timothy, who would visit Corinth (16:10-11). The mention of Apollos fits within these discussions about impending visits and movements of key ministry figures. Importantly, the Corinthian church struggled with divisions, often pitting leaders like Paul and Apollos against each other (1 Cor 1:12, 3:4). Paul's open explanation here serves to quell any rumors or misinterpretations about Apollos' absence, subtly reinforcing their unity in Christ and shared ministry purpose, despite different immediate plans.

1 Corinthians 16 12 Word analysis

• Now concerning our brother Apollos (Περὶ δὲ Ἀπολλῶ τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ)
  • Περὶ (Peri - "Concerning"): A common Pauline transitional phrase, indicating a new topic in response to questions or for clarification, as seen in previous chapters (1 Cor 7:1, 8:1, 12:1).
  • Ἀπολλῶ (Apollō - "Apollos"): A significant, eloquent Christian leader from Alexandria (Acts 18:24). He had previously ministered extensively in Corinth (Acts 18:27-28; 1 Cor 3:6). His name was unfortunately used as a banner for one of the factions in the Corinthian church (1 Cor 1:12).
  • τοῦ ἀδελφοῦ (tou adelphou - "our brother"): Signifies a deep bond of Christian kinship and unity. Despite the Corinthians' divisions regarding Paul and Apollos, Paul affirms Apollos' place within the unified body of Christ and their collaborative ministry, refuting any notion of rivalry.
• I strongly urged him to come to you with the other brothers (πολλὰ παρεκάλεσα αὐτὸν ἵνα ἔλθῃ πρὸς ὑμᾶς μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν)
  • πολλὰ παρεκάλεσα (polla parekalesa - "I strongly urged" or "I much exhorted/pleaded"): The adverb "πολλὰ" (polla - "much, greatly") intensifies the verb "παρεκάλεσα" (parekalesa), which means to urge, entreat, or encourage. It indicates Paul's sincere and repeated desire for Apollos' visit, not a command or demand. This respectful appeal highlights Paul's leadership style, honoring Apollos' autonomy.
  • ἵνα ἔλθῃ (hina elthē - "that he might come"): Expresses the purpose or intention of Paul's urging, for Apollos to visit.
  • πρὸς ὑμᾶς (pros hymas - "to you"): Emphasizes that the visit would be directly beneficial to the Corinthian church.
  • μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν (meta tōn adelphōn - "with the brothers"): Implies that Apollos would not travel alone, suggesting either fellow ministers for support or the collection party for Jerusalem, linking to the preceding context (1 Cor 16:3-4). This adds to the credibility and collective nature of the proposed visit.
• He was not at all willing to come now (καὶ πάντως οὐκ ἦν θέλημα ἵνα νῦν ἔλθῃ)
  • καὶ (kai - "but" or "and"): A conjunction introducing the counterpoint to Paul's urging.
  • πάντως οὐκ ἦν θέλημα (pantōs ouk ēn thelēma - "it was by no means his will/desire"): The phrase "οὐ πάντως" (ou pantōs), which includes "πάντως" (pantōs - "by all means, certainly"), emphatically conveys that "it was not at all his will" or "he was by no means inclined." It clearly states Apollos' decision not to come at that particular time. This highlights Apollos' personal discernment and conviction regarding his ministry schedule, a decision respected by Paul.
  • ἵνα νῦν ἔλθῃ (hina nun elthē - "that he should come now"): Specifies the timing of Apollos' reluctance—not against visiting ever, but against coming "now." This particular timing was not in line with his will or discerned plan.
• but he will come when he has opportunity (ἐλεύσεται δὲ ὅταν εὐκαιρίαν σχῇ)
  • ἐλεύσεται δὲ (eleusetai de - "but he will come"): A clear assurance that Apollos fully intends to visit in the future. This dispels any notion of permanent refusal or disinterest.
  • ὅταν εὐκαιρίαν σχῇ (hotan eukairian schē - "when he has opportunity" or "when he gets a good opportunity/favorable time"): "εὐκαιρίαν" (eukairian) refers to a convenient, favorable, or opportune time. This decision could be based on practical logistics, the Spirit's leading, personal readiness, or the strategic needs of other ministries. It indicates wisdom and intentionality in ministry planning, trusting God's timing.

1 Corinthians 16 12 Bonus section

This verse subtly underscores several key aspects of early Christian ministry:

• The Power of Personal Conviction: Apollos' decision, despite Paul's "strong urging," shows that mature spiritual leaders operate from conviction and a discerned sense of divine timing, rather than blind obedience or mere preference. This is crucial for authenticity and effective service.
• Apostolic Humility: Paul, the authoritative apostle, modeled humility by making a respectful request rather than an imperative command, and then accepting and publicly acknowledging his co-worker's decision. This counters the "lording over" warned against in scripture (1 Pet 5:3).
• Preventing Misinformation: In an age without instant communication, rumors could easily lead to misunderstanding and further division. Paul's direct explanation prevents the Corinthians from speculating about Apollos' absence, which might otherwise be interpreted as friction or abandonment.
• The Unseen Hand of Providence: The phrase "when he has opportunity" implies a trust in God's orchestrating of circumstances and timing. Both Paul and Apollos recognized that divine Providence often guides ministerial movements, beyond human desires or strategic planning alone.

1 Corinthians 16 12 Commentary

1 Corinthians 16:12 offers a profound insight into the respectful, collaborative, and discerning nature of early Christian leadership, particularly in light of the Corinthian church's challenges with divisions. Paul's revelation of his earnest plea for Apollos to visit, juxtaposed with Apollos' firm yet future-oriented refusal, serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it counters the perception of rivalry among leaders (1 Cor 1:12, 3:4), demonstrating Paul's transparent and positive regard for Apollos as a co-laborer, rather than a competitor. Second, it highlights the autonomy and spiritual discernment exercised by mature leaders like Apollos. Paul, despite being an apostle with authority, did not issue a command but "strongly urged," respecting Apollos' decision and discerning his own timing guided by an "opportunity." This indicates that effective ministry is not about rigid hierarchies but about a shared mission, mutual respect, and responsiveness to the Spirit's leading for opportune moments. This example also teaches believers about exercising patience and trusting divine timing for ministry assignments, rather than acting under external pressure. Paul, a wise leader, understood the importance of relaying Apollos' position to prevent misinterpretation and further divisions, assuring them of future connection and the broader unity within Christ's body.