1 Corinthians 16:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 16:10
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 16 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, holiness. Written during Paul's third missionary journey (c. 55 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church existed in a prosperous, cosmopolitan, morally permissive Roman colony.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-24: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within 1 Corinthians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
1 Corinthians 16:10
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.
Analysis
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear—Timothy, Paul's beloved protégé and "true son in the faith" (1 Timothy 1:2), apparently traveled to Corinth via a circuitous route through Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Aphobōs (ἀφόβως, "without fear") suggests Timothy faced intimidation—perhaps due to his youth (1 Timothy 4:12), timid temperament (2 Timothy 1:7), or the Corinthians' disrespect for Paul's authority.
For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do—Paul defends Timothy's apostolic credentials, insisting he performs ergon kyriou (ἔργον κυρίου, "the Lord's work") with the same authority as Paul himself. This strong endorsement aimed to prevent the faction-ridden Corinthians from despising Timothy as a mere subordinate. Legitimate Christian ministry derives authority from divine calling, not human charisma or credentials.
Historical Context
Timothy, a native of Lystra (Acts 16:1), joined Paul's team around AD 49 and became his most trusted coworker. His mother was Jewish, his father Greek, making him an ideal bridge between Jewish and Gentile Christianity. Paul's letters to Timothy (1 and 2 Timothy) reveal a young pastor struggling with timidity and health issues, yet entrusted with crucial apostolic responsibilities.
Reflection
- Why does Paul need to defend Timothy's authority to the Corinthian church?
- How should churches receive young or timid ministers who lack impressive natural qualifications?
- What does Paul's phrase 'he works the Lord's work, as I also do' teach about equality of calling despite differences in gifting?
Word Studies
- Lord: Κύριος (Kurios) G2962 - Lord, Master
Cross-References
- References Lord: 1 Corinthians 4:17, 15:58
- Parallel theme: Romans 16:21, 1 Thessalonians 3:2