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.
Original Language Analysis
Περὶ
touching
G4012
Περὶ
touching
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν·
our brother
G80
ἀδελφῶν·
our brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
πολλὰ
greatly
G4183
πολλὰ
greatly
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
6 of 27
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
παρεκάλεσα
I
G3870
παρεκάλεσα
I
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
7 of 27
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
αὐτὸν
him
G846
αὐτὸν
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 27
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐλεύσεται
come
G2064
ἐλεύσεται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
11 of 27
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
μετὰ
with
G3326
μετὰ
with
Strong's:
G3326
Word #:
13 of 27
properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφῶν·
our brother
G80
ἀδελφῶν·
our brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
15 of 27
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
but
G2532
καὶ
but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
16 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάντως
at all
G3843
πάντως
at all
Strong's:
G3843
Word #:
17 of 27
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
θέλημα
his will
G2307
θέλημα
his will
Strong's:
G2307
Word #:
20 of 27
a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination
νῦν
at this
G3568
νῦν
at this
Strong's:
G3568
Word #:
22 of 27
"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate
ἐλεύσεται
come
G2064
ἐλεύσεται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
23 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ἐλεύσεται
come
G2064
ἐλεύσεται
come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
24 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew trained in Philonic allegorical exegesis and rhetorically gifted, had been instructed more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26). Though some Corinthians preferred him over Paul, no evidence suggests Apollos encouraged this faction. His refusal to return to Corinth demonstrates maturity and unwillingness to be used divisively. Later tradition says he became bishop of Corinth.
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's warm commendation of Apollos despite the Apollos faction teach about handling ministry rivalries?
- Why might Apollos wisely refuse to return to Corinth even though Paul urged him to go?
- How do you know when your presence in a situation will help versus inflame existing tensions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you—Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian preacher (Acts 18:24-28), had worked in Corinth and became a focal point for one faction (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6). Despite the Apollos party's divisiveness, Paul warmly calls him our brother (adelphos, ἀδελφός), rejecting any personal rivalry. Paul strongly encouraged (polla parekalesa, πολλὰ παρεκάλεσα, "I greatly urged") Apollos to return to Corinth.
But his will was not at all to come at this time—Ou pantes ēn thelēma (οὐ πάντως ἦν θέλημα, literally "it was by no means the will") is ambiguous—either Apollos's will or God's will. Most translations favor Apollos's personal decision. His refusal to return suggests wisdom; his presence might inflame factions rather than heal them. But he will come when he shall have convenient time—Eukairēō (εὐκαιρέω, "have opportunity, be convenient") indicates Apollos remained willing but awaited better timing.