1 Corinthians 16:12

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:12 (KJV)

This verse, found at the conclusion of Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian church, provides a valuable glimpse into the practicalities and personal dynamics of early Christian leadership and ministry. It specifically addresses the travel plans of Apollos, a prominent figure in the early church.

Context

In 1 Corinthians, Paul has been addressing numerous issues within the Corinthian community, including deep divisions that had arisen, with some factions identifying themselves with particular leaders like Paul, Cephas (Peter), or Apollos (1 Corinthians 1:12). Despite these past contentions, Paul consistently affirmed that both he and Apollos were merely servants through whom the Corinthians believed, with God giving the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6). This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful testament to the unity and mutual respect between Paul and Apollos, demonstrating that any perceived rivalry among their followers did not reflect their own relationship. Paul is concluding his letter by giving final instructions, greetings, and updates on various matters, including future visits.

Key Themes

  • Unity and Mutual Respect Among Leaders: Paul's explicit desire for Apollos to join "with the brethren" in visiting Corinth underscores a spirit of cooperation and unity rather than competition. This stands in stark contrast to the factions Paul condemned earlier in the letter. It highlights that true Christian leadership is collaborative, not competitive.
  • Respect for Individual Will and Autonomy: Paul expresses a strong desire for Apollos to come, but he fully respects Apollos's decision not to come "at this time." This illustrates a healthy leadership dynamic where personal convictions and God-given timing are honored, even when they differ from one's own preferences. Apollos’s will (Greek: to thelema) was respected, not coerced.
  • Practicalities of Early Ministry: The verse offers a realistic view of missionary life, which involved complex travel arrangements, coordination among leaders, and the need for flexibility. Ministry plans were not always rigid but subject to various factors, including individual availability and divine timing.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "As touching [our] brother Apollos" is a common Pauline transition, indicating a shift to a specific topic or person he wishes to address. The emphasis on "his will was not at all to come at this time" highlights Apollos's personal decision and autonomy. The Greek phrase for "his will" (to thelema autou) denotes a deliberate, personal choice, suggesting Apollos had valid reasons for delaying his visit, perhaps sensing it was not the opportune moment for his ministry there.

Practical Application

This verse teaches valuable lessons for believers today. It underscores the importance of unity and cooperation among Christian leaders and within the church, reminding us that different gifts and ministries work together for the common good. It also encourages respect for individual decisions and timing, especially among those serving in ministry. Just as Paul respected Apollos's discernment, we are called to trust and respect the leading of God in the lives of others, understanding that God works through various individuals according to His perfect timing and plan.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:12

    Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5

    ¶ Who then is Paul, and who [is] Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

  • 1 Corinthians 3:22

    Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours;

  • Acts 18:24

    ¶ And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, [and] mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

  • Acts 19:1

    ¶ And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

  • Titus 3:4

    But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared,

  • Ecclesiastes 3:1

    ¶ To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

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