1 Corinthians 16:10-11
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Paul calls the church to actively make room for Timothy's ministry, emphasizing that his service is so vital it's directly equated with Paul's own work for the Lord. This isn't just about tolerating him; it's about creating an environment where his spiritual labor can flourish, reflecting the value God places on the work of His servants.
When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing their ongoing issues and giving final instructions. Timothy, a close associate of Paul, is being sent to visit them, and Paul wants the church to welcome him warmly and support his ministry, just as they would support Paul himself. This instruction comes right after Paul discusses his own plans for visiting them, emphasizing the importance of unified and Spirit-led action within the community.
Imagine someone vital to God's work feeling anxious or even intimidated. Paul's urgency here hints at a delicate situation.
Paul sends Timothy, his close co-worker and spiritual son, to the Corinthian church. Yet, he warns the Corinthians to 'put him at ease.' This isn't a casual request; it suggests Timothy might be facing resistance, criticism, or perhaps a general atmosphere in Corinth that makes him uncomfortable.
Why the Concern?
Paul doesn't just ask for kindness toward Timothy; he grounds it in a profound shared purpose. What does it mean to do the 'work of the Lord'?
Paul emphasizes that Timothy is engaged in the same work that Paul himself is doing. This isn't just about ministry tasks; it's about furthering God's kingdom and advancing the gospel.
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The Significance of Shared Work:
Understand the original words
ergon · Greek Noun
Activities or service performed by believers that are aligned with the purposes and commands of God. It is often synonymous with ministry or Christian labor done in obedience to Christ.
exoutheneō · Greek Verb
To look down upon or treat with contempt; to regard as being of little value or unworthy of respect.
eirēnē · Greek Noun
A state of well-being, wholeness, and harmony with God and others, often used as a greeting or parting wish indicating safety and divine favor.
adelphos · Greek Noun
A body of believers united by a common faith in Christ, often used as a term of endearment and spiritual connection within the Christian community.
Timothy was sent to a church deeply fractured by internal disputes and external pressures, making him a vulnerable figure needing the Corinthians' full support as he carried out his delicate mission.
c. AD 47-49
First Missionary Journey
Paul and Barnabas travel through Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition. This journey lays the groundwork for future ministry.
c. AD 50-52
Second Missionary Journey Begins
Paul, now accompanied by Silas and later Timothy, revisits the churches in Asia Minor and ventures into Macedonia and Achaia (Greece).
c. AD 50
Timothy Joins Paul and Silas
Timothy, a young disciple from Lystra, is circumcised by Paul at the urging of the Jewish believers to aid their ministry in Jewish communities.
c. AD 52
Founding of the Corinthian Church
Paul spends about 18 months in Corinth establishing the church, facing significant challenges and opposition from the local Jewish and Gentile populations.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul Writes 1 Corinthians
From Ephesus, Paul addresses various issues within the Corinthian church, including divisions, immorality, and disputes over spiritual gifts.
c. AD 55
Timothy Sent to Corinth
Paul dispatches Timothy to the church in Corinth, partly to help them deal with the problems he has addressed in his letter and to stabilize their community.
This passage introduces Timothy and highlights his mixed heritage, which Paul circumcised so he could minister to Jewish people, showing Timothy's willingness to adapt for the sake of the Gospel.
Philippians 2:19-22Paul speaks highly of Timothy here, contrasting his genuine concern for the Philippians with the self-serving motives of others, reinforcing Timothy's devoted service.
1 Timothy 4:12Paul urges Timothy not to let anyone despise his youth, implying that Timothy might have faced some challenges or doubts due to his age, similar to the need to put him at ease mentioned in 1 Corinthians.
2 Timothy 3:10-11Paul reminds Timothy of his own example of teaching, suffering, and perseverance, which would have been known to Timothy and serves as a powerful endorsement of Timothy's own calling and work.
Paul calls the church to actively make room for Timothy's ministry, emphasizing that his service is so vital it's directly equated with Paul's own work for the Lord. This isn't just about tolerating him; it's about creating an environment where his spiritual labor can flourish, reflecting the value God places on the work of His servants.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing their ongoing issues and giving final instructions. Timothy, a close associate of Paul, is being sent to visit them, and Paul wants the church to welcome him warmly and support his ministry, just as they would support Paul himself. This instruction comes right after Paul discusses his own plans for visiting them, emphasizing the importance of unified and Spirit-led action within the community.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, addressing their ongoing issues and giving final instructions. Timothy, a close associate of Paul, is being sent to visit them, and Paul wants the church to welcome him warmly and support his ministry, just as they would support Paul himself. This instruction comes right after Paul discusses his own plans for visiting them, emphasizing the importance of unified and Spirit-led action within the community.
"When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers." — Paul calls the church to actively make room for Timothy's ministry, emphasizing that his service is so vital it's directly equated with Paul's own work for the Lord. This isn't just about toleratin…
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Last reviewed October 2026
