Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians
"If Timothy comes..."
Text: 1 Corinthians 16:10
TIMOTHY
Paul’s ministry was vast and complex. But he had other fellow-workers who could be entrusted with ministry. One of them was Timothy, his spiritual son.
“And if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear;
for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. Therefore let no
one despise him. But send him on his journey in peace, that he
may come to me; for I am waiting for him with the brethren.”
1 Corinthians 16:10-11
1. “If Timothy comes”
a) Timothy was not with Paul at this point of time.
b) But Paul knew that he could contact him and ask him to visit Corinth.
2. “See that he may be with you without fear”
a) Paul knew that Timothy at times struggled with fear (2 Timothy 1:7).
b) The word “see” was written in the imperative.
c) He admonished the Corinthians to receive Timothy without any intimidation.
d) Timothy was to be respected as one who served the Lord even as Paul did.
3. “Let no one despise him”
a) Paul was aware of how the Corinthians could despise Timothy.
b) This could be intimidating to a person who may not be very courageous.
c) Once again, Paul wrote to admonish the Corinthians not to despise him.
4. “But send him on his journey in peace”
a) The Corinthians may not be supportive of Timothy.
b) But at least they can send Timothy on his journey to see Paul.
c) “In peace”
i) As opposed to “in fear”.
ii) As an expression of goodwill as becoming of believers in Christ.
5. “That he may come to me”
a) Paul awaited Timothy’s coming to him.
b) Timothy’s visit to Corinth was en route to see Paul.
6. “For I am waiting for him with the brethren”
Paul was with other brethren. They were all waiting to see Timothy and the report that he would bring after his visit to Corinth. The Corinthians were gently reminded of Paul’s admonition to receive Timothy graciously.