TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
KJV (with Strong's)
As G1161 touching G4012 our brother G80 Apollos G625, I G3870 greatly G4183 desired G3870 him G846 to G2443 come G2064 unto G4314 you G5209 with G3326 the brethren G80: but G2532 his will G2307 was G2258 not G3756 at all G3843 to G2443 come G2064 at this G3568 time; but G1161 he will come G2064 when G3752 he shall have convenient time G2119.
Complete Jewish Bible
As for brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to go and visit you along with the other brothers; and although it was not at all his desire to come at this time, he will come when he has the opportunity.
Berean Standard Bible
Now about our brother Apollos: I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers. He was not at all inclined to go now, but he will go when he has the opportunity.
American Standard Version
But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
World English Bible Messianic
Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
Geneva Bible (1599)
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him, to come vnto you with the brethren: but his mind was not at all to come at this time: howbeit he will come when he shall haue conuenient time.
Young's Literal Translation
and concerning Apollos our brother, much I did entreat him that he may come unto you with the brethren, and it was not at all his will that he may come now, and he will come when he may find convenient.
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In the KJVVerse 28,789 of 31,102
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Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16 verses 10–12
10 ¶ 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.
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.
12 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.
In this passage,
I. He recommends Timothy to them, in several particulars. As, 1. He bids them take care that he should be among them without feat, Co1 16:10. Timothy was sent by the apostle to correct the abuses which had crept in among them; and not only to direct, but to blame, and censure, and reprove, those who were culpable. They were all in factions, and no doubt the mutual strife and hatred ran very high among them. There were some very rich, as it is probable; and many very proud, upon account both of their outward wealth and spiritual gifts. Proud spirits cannot easily bear reproof. It was reasonable therefore to think young Timothy might be roughly used; hence the apostle warns them against using him ill. Not but that he was prepared for the worst; but, whatever his firmness and prudence might be, it was their duty to behave themselves well towards him, and not discourage and dishearten him in his Lord's work. They should not fly out into resentment at his reproof. Note, Christians should bear faithful reproofs from their ministers, and not terrify and discourage them from doing their duty. 2. He warns them against despising him, Co1 16:11. He was but a young man, and alone, as Ecumenius observes. He had no one to back him, and his own youthful face and years commanded but little reverence; and therefore the great pretenders to wisdom among them might be apt to entertain contemptuous thoughts of him. "Now," says the apostle, "guard against this." Not that he distrusted Timothy; he knew that Timothy would do nothing to bring contempt on his character, nothing to make his youth despicable. But pride was a reigning sin among the Corinthians, and such a caution was but too necessary. Note, Christians should be very careful not to pour contempt on any, but especially on ministers, the faithful ministers of Christ. These, whether young or old, are to be had in high esteem for their works sake. 3. He tells them they should give him all due encouragement, use him well while he was with them; and, as an evidence of this, they should send him away in friendship, and well prepared for his journey back again to Paul. This, as I have before observed, is the meaning of bringing him on his journey in peace, Co1 16:11. Note, Faithful ministers are not only to be well received by a people among whom they may for a season minister, but are to be sent away with due respect.
II. He assigns the reasons why they should behave thus towards Timothy. 1. Because he was employed in the same work as Paul, and acted in it by the same authority, Co1 16:10. He did not come on Paul's errand among them, nor to do his work, but the work of the Lord. Though he was not an apostle, he was assistant to one, and was sent upon this very business by a divine commission. And therefore to vex his spirit would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him would be to despise him that sent him, not Paul, but Paul's Lord and theirs. Note, Those who work the work of the Lord should be neither terrified nor despised, but treated with all tenderness and respect. Such are all the faithful ministers of the word, though not all in the same rank and degree. Pastors and teachers, as well as apostles and evangelists, while they are doing their duty, are to be treated with honour and respect. 2. Another reason is implied; as they were to esteem him for his work's sake, so also for Paul's sake, who had sent him to Corinth; not of his own errand indeed, but to work the work of the Lord: Conduct him forth in peace, that he may come to me, for I look for him with the brethren (Co1 16:11); or I with the brethren look for him (the original will bear either), ekdechomai gar auton meta tōn adelphōn - "I am expecting his return, and his report concerning you; and shall judge by your conduct towards him what your regard and respect for me will be. Look to it that you send him back with no evil report." Paul might expect from the Corinthians, that a messenger from him, upon such an errand, should be regarded, and well treated. His services and success among them, his authority with them as an apostle, would challenge this at their hands. They would hardly dare to send back Timothy with a report that would grieve or provoke the apostle. "I and the brethren expect his return, wait for the report he is to make; and therefore do not use him ill, but respect him, regard his message, and let him return in peace."
III. He informs them of Apollos's purpose to see them. 1. He himself had greatly desired him to come to them, Co1 16:12. Though one party among them had declared for Apollos against Paul (if that passage is to be understood literally, vide Co1 4:6), yet Paul did not hinder Apollos from going to Corinth in his own absence, nay, he pressed him to go thither. He had no suspicions of Apollos, as if he would lessen Paul's interest and respect among them, to the advancement of his own. Note, Faithful ministers are not apt to entertain jealousies of each other, nor suspect of such selfish designs. True charity and brotherly love think no evil. And where should these reign, if not in the breasts of the ministers of Christ? 2. Apollos could not be prevailed on for the present to come, but would at a more convenient season. Perhaps their feuds and factions might render the present season improper. He would not go to be set at the head of a party and countenance the dividing and contentious humour. When this had subsided, through Paul's epistle to them and Timothy's ministry among them, he might conclude a visit would be more proper. Apostles did not vie with each other, but consulted each other's comfort and usefulness. Paul intimates his great regard to the church of Corinth, when they had used him ill, by entreating Apollos to go to them; and Apollos shows his respect to Paul, and his concern to keep up his character and authority, by declining the journey till the Corinthians were in better temper. Note, It is very becoming the ministers of the gospel to have and manifest a concern for each other's reputation and usefulness.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–12. Public domain.
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AmbrosiasterAD 384
COMMENTARY ON PAUL’S EPISTLES
Paul is hinting that Apollos did not want to go to Corinth because the church there was divided, in the hope that when they heard this they would be eager to make peace. Apollos would come when the church reached agreement.
Didymus the BlindAD 398
PAULINE COMMENTARY FROM THE GREEK CHURCH
Apollos was the bishop of Corinth, but he had left the church on account of its divisions and gone to be with Paul. He would not go back with the letter, because he did not want to return until the divisions were healed.
John ChrysostomAD 407
Homily on 1 Corinthians 44
This man appears to have been both well-educated and also older than Timothy. Lest they should say then, "For what possible reason did he not send the man grown, but the youth instead of him?" observe how he softens down this point also, both calling him a brother, and saying that he had besought him much. For lest he should seem to have held Timothy in higher honor than him and to have exalted him more, and on this account not to have sent him, and cause their envy to burst out more abundantly, he adds, "I besought him much to come." What then: did not the other yield nor consent? did he resist and show himself contentious? He saith not this, but that he might not excite prejudice against him, and also might make excuse for himself, he saith, "and it was not at all his will to come now." Then to prevent their saying that all this was an excuse and pretence, he added, "but he will come to you when he shall have opportunity." This was both an excuse for him, and a refreshment to them who desired to see him, by the hope which it gave of his coming.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 16:12, the Apostle Paul provides an update regarding Apollos, a prominent fellow minister. Paul expresses his strong desire for Apollos to visit the Corinthian church alongside other brethren. However, he respectfully acknowledges Apollos's personal decision not to come at that specific time, indicating that Apollos would visit when he found a more opportune or "convenient" moment. This verse offers a profound glimpse into the collaborative yet autonomous nature of early Christian leadership, highlighting mutual respect, discernment, and the practical realities of ministry travel.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Paul employs several Epistolary Conventions in this verse, typical of his letter-writing style, such as transitioning to specific individuals or matters ("As touching..."). The verse also showcases Personal Rapport and Diplomacy between Paul and Apollos. Paul's open expression of his "great desire" for Apollos to come, followed by his respectful acknowledgment of Apollos's "will" not to come at that specific time, demonstrates a mature and healthy relationship built on mutual respect rather than hierarchical command. This creates an Antithesis between Paul's desire and Apollos's will, which is then resolved by the shared understanding of "convenient time." The language itself is straightforward, reflecting Paul's direct communication style while subtly conveying the nuanced dynamics of their collaborative ministry.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
1 Corinthians 16:12 offers significant theological insights into the nature of Christian leadership, divine sovereignty, and human agency. It illustrates that effective ministry is not always about immediate compliance with human desires, even well-intentioned ones, but often about discerning God's perfect timing and respecting the individual leading of the Holy Spirit in others. Paul's attitude models a profound humility and trust in his fellow workers, recognizing that God works through diverse wills and circumstances to accomplish His purposes. This passage implicitly teaches that unity in the body of Christ does not demand uniformity of action or immediate agreement on all logistical matters, but rather a shared commitment to Christ and His kingdom, allowing for individual discernment and timing. It underscores the importance of servant leadership, where leaders empower and respect one another, fostering an environment of collaboration rather than control.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The interaction between Paul and Apollos in this verse provides a timeless blueprint for healthy relationships and effective ministry within the body of Christ. It reminds us that even among highly gifted and Spirit-led individuals, there can be differences in timing and approach, and that true spiritual maturity involves respecting these distinctions. For believers today, this means cultivating a spirit of humility and trust, both in our own discernment and in the discernment of others. We are called to be patient, understanding that God's timing is perfect, and that His plans often unfold in ways that require flexibility and waiting. In our churches, this verse encourages collaborative leadership, where leaders empower and honor one another's unique callings and seasons of ministry, rather than imposing their own preferences. It challenges us to prioritize unity and the common good of the church over personal agendas or perceived rivalries, fostering an environment where every member's "will" in discerning God's leading is respected, provided it aligns with biblical principles.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Apollos not want to come at that time?
Answer: The text does not explicitly state Apollos's reasons, but it does say "his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time." The phrase "convenient time" (Greek: eukairéō) implies an opportune or favorable moment. This suggests Apollos had valid reasons, perhaps related to his current ministry commitments, a sense of divine timing, or a discernment that his presence in Corinth at that specific moment would not be most beneficial, given the past divisions associated with his name (see 1 Corinthians 1:12 and 1 Corinthians 3:4-6). Paul's respect for Apollos's decision indicates that these reasons were understood and accepted.
What does this verse tell us about the relationship between Paul and Apollos?
Answer: This verse demonstrates a strong relationship of mutual respect, trust, and collaboration between Paul and Apollos. Despite the fact that some factions in Corinth had tried to create division by aligning themselves with either Paul or Apollos (as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:12), this passage clearly shows that Paul held Apollos in high regard and respected his autonomy and discernment. Paul "greatly desired" Apollos's visit, indicating his value for Apollos's ministry, and he fully accepted Apollos's decision regarding his timing. This exemplifies healthy, Christ-centered leadership, where personal preferences are submitted to the leading of the Spirit and the well-being of the church, fostering unity rather than competition.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 16:12 directly concerns the practicalities of early church ministry and the relationship between Paul and Apollos, its underlying principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Jesus Christ Himself perfectly exemplified the submission to the Father's will and the discernment of divine timing. He consistently declared, "My time has not yet come" (John 2:4) or "My hour has come" (John 12:23), demonstrating that His entire earthly ministry, including His ultimate sacrifice, unfolded according to the Father's perfect schedule. Just as Paul respected Apollos's "will" and "convenient time," so too did Christ perfectly align His will with the Father's, even to the point of death on the cross (Philippians 2:8). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate source of unity for His body, the Church (Ephesians 4:4-6). The harmonious relationship between Paul and Apollos, characterized by mutual respect and shared purpose despite differing immediate plans, reflects the unity that Christ prayed for among His followers (John 17:20-23). In Christ, we find the model for servant leadership, where individual gifts and callings are honored within a unified mission, all working together for the building up of His kingdom according to God's perfect and sovereign timing.