1 Corinthians 16:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
1 Corinthians 16:11
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.
Chapter Context
1 Corinthians 16 is a pastoral epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of faith, worship, judgment. 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 foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. 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 16:11
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.
Analysis
Let no man therefore despise him—Exoutheneō (ἐξουθενέω, "despise, treat with contempt") suggests the Corinthians might reject Timothy due to his youth or unimpressive presence. The same verb appears in Luke 23:11 for Herod's soldiers mocking Jesus. Church factions valuing eloquence, status, and forceful personality (qualities they perceived in Apollos or Peter but found lacking in Paul—2 Corinthians 10:10) might dismiss Timothy as insignificant.
But conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me—Propempō en eirēnē (προπέμπω ἐν εἰρήνῃ, "send forward in peace") means providing travel support and cordial farewell, not hostile dismissal. Timothy's mission was to report back to Paul about Corinthian conditions. For I look for him with the brethren—Paul expected Timothy to return with companions, perhaps the delegation mentioned in verse 17.
Historical Context
The command not to despise Timothy parallels 1 Timothy 4:12, where Paul tells Timothy "Let no man despise thy youth." Apparently Timothy faced chronic credibility challenges, perhaps exacerbated by Paul's own unpopularity in some quarters. Ancient Mediterranean culture highly valued age, rhetorical skill, and forceful personality—attributes Timothy apparently lacked.
Reflection
- What makes churches susceptible to despising faithful ministers who lack impressive credentials or charisma?
- How does Paul's defense of Timothy challenge celebrity culture in modern ministry?
- What does 'conducting someone forth in peace' look like in contemporary church practice?
Cross-References
- Peace: Acts 15:33
- Parallel theme: 1 Corinthians 16:6, 16:10, 1 Timothy 4:12, Titus 2:15