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1 Corinthians 16:10

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¶ 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].

Now {G1161} if {G1437} Timotheus {G5095} come {G2064}, see {G991} that {G2443} he may be {G1096} with {G4314} you {G5209} without fear {G870}: for {G1063} he worketh {G2038} the work {G2041} of the Lord {G2962}, as {G5613} I {G1473} also {G2532} do.

If Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to be afraid of while he is with you; for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.

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

Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:

Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 16:10, the Apostle Paul issues a specific instruction regarding his beloved protégé, Timothy. As Paul concludes his letter to the Corinthian church, he expresses a deep pastoral concern for Timothy's well-being and reception, underscoring the legitimacy and importance of Timothy's ministry.

Context

This verse comes near the end of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where he is giving final instructions, travel plans, and greetings. Paul often sent trusted co-workers like Timothy to churches to strengthen them, deliver messages, and assess their spiritual state. He had previously informed the Corinthians that he was sending Timothy to them (see 1 Corinthians 4:17). Given the various internal conflicts and challenges present in the Corinthian church, Paul's instruction for Timothy to be "without fear" suggests an awareness of potential opposition, intimidation, or a lack of respect Timothy might face from some factions within the congregation.

Key Themes

  • Pastoral Care and Protection: Paul's instruction reveals his profound care for Timothy, not just as a fellow minister but as a spiritual son. He desires Timothy to feel secure and unthreatened while serving in Corinth, highlighting the importance of a supportive environment for those in ministry.
  • Legitimacy of Ministry: By stating that Timothy "worketh the work of the Lord, as I also [do]," Paul unequivocally affirms Timothy's divine calling and authority. This statement elevates Timothy's ministry to the same level of divine sanction as Paul's own, instructing the Corinthians to recognize and respect his contributions as genuine "work of the ministry".
  • Hospitality and Respect for Leaders: Implicit in Paul's command is a call for the Corinthian believers to extend warm hospitality and due respect to Timothy. They were not to dismiss him due to his youth or perceived lack of apostolic stature compared to Paul, but rather to receive him as a legitimate representative of Christ.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "without fear" translates the Greek word aphobos (ἀφόβως), meaning "fearlessly, without alarm or intimidation." This underscores Paul's concern that Timothy might be met with hostility or a dismissive attitude, which could hinder his effectiveness or personal well-being. The emphasis on Timothy working "the work of the Lord" (ἔργον Κυρίου, ergon Kyriou) stresses that his labor is not merely human effort but a divinely appointed and empowered service, deserving of honor and cooperation.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a timeless reminder for believers regarding their posture towards those who minister among them. We are called to:

  1. Provide Support and Encouragement: Create an atmosphere where spiritual leaders can serve without unnecessary fear or intimidation, offering them encouragement and practical support.
  2. Recognize and Value Genuine Ministry: Discern and affirm those who are genuinely doing "the work of the Lord," regardless of their age, experience, or charismatic gifts. Their labor is for the benefit of the body of Christ.
  3. Extend Hospitality: Show kindness and openness to those who come to serve, understanding that they are often on difficult missions and need the comfort and strength of the believing community. As Hebrews 13:17 instructs, we should respect and submit to those who have the rule over us, as they watch for our souls.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash (May 20, 2025) using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 1 Corinthians 15:58 (5 votes)

    ¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

  • Philippians 2:19 (4 votes)

    But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

  • Philippians 2:22 (4 votes)

    But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:2 (4 votes)

    And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

  • 1 Corinthians 4:17 (4 votes)

    ¶ For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.

  • Romans 16:21 (4 votes)

    ¶ Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, salute you.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ We then, [as] workers together [with him], beseech [you] also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain.