I Corinthians 16:10 · Bible study
1 Corinthians 16:10 Commentary: Timothy Without Fear in the Lord's Work
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Exegetical study of Paul's charge to receive Timothy without fear, exploring Timothy's character, Corinthian conflicts, and honoring faithful workers.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul directs the church to actively ensure Timothy has no reason to fear because he serves the Lord as Paul does.
- Key words: βλέπετε (see to), ἀφόβως (fearlessly), ἐργάζεται (he is doing, present tense, ongoing labor).
- Main debate: Whether the emphasis falls on Timothy’s personal timidity or on the church’s hostile environment; also whether Timothy actually arrived at Corinth as planned.
- Theological theme: The congregation bears responsibility for the emotional and physical safety of those sent to minister.
- Best use: A pastoral directive for welcoming young or vulnerable ministers, and a call to honor faithful servants in the face of opposition.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
WEB World English Bible 2000
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do:
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And if Timotheus may come, see that he may become without fear with you, for the work of the Lord he doth work, even as I,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he works the work of the Lord, even as I.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y si llegare Timoteo, mirad que esté con vosotros seguramente; porque la obra del Señor hace también como yo.
E se vier Timóteo, olhai para que ele esteja sem temor convosco; porque assim como eu, ele também faz a obra do Senhor.
Si Timothée arrive, faites en sorte qu’ il soit sans crainte parmi vous, car il travaille comme moi à l’ œuvre du Seigneur.
So Timotheus kommt, so sehet zu, daß er ohne Furcht bei euch sei; denn er treibt auch das Werk des HERRN wie ich.
Zo nu Timotheus komt, ziet, dat hij buiten vreze bij u zij; want hij werkt het werk des Heeren, gelijk als ik.
Or se viene Timoteo, guardate che stia fra voi senza timore; perch’egli lavora nell’opera del Signore, come faccio anch’io.
Jeźliby tedy przyszedł Tymoteusz, patrzcie, aby bez bojaźni był między wami, bo dzieło Pańskie sprawuje, jako i ja.
Если же придет к вам Тимофей, смотрите, чтобы он был у вас безопасен; ибо он делает дело Господне, как и я.
若是 提摩太 來到，你們要留心，叫 他在 你們 那裡無所懼怕；因為 他勞力做 主 的工，像 我一樣。
Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear; because he is doing the Lord's work, even as I am:
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Corinthians 16:10
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Paul instructs the Corinthian church to receive Timothy in a way that removes any reason for fear. Barnes emphasises Timothy's youth and the church's factions, which could intimidate a young minister. Calvin adds that many enemies of Christ were present, so the church must protect his safety. Matthew Henry and the Cambridge Bible note Timothy's timidity (reflected in later Pauline letters) and the likelihood of rough treatment from the proud and divided Corinthian believers. All see the reason in the same clause: Timothy does the work of the Lord just as Paul does. The verse is a pastoral directive: the congregation actively ensures a faithful minister can serve without intimidation.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Emphasis on Timothy's character: Cross-references to 1 Tim 4:12, 2 Tim 1:6-8 depict Timothy as young and cautious; Paul repeatedly encourages him.
- Emphasis on church conflict: The surrounding context (v.9 with many adversaries; the factions and false teachers in 1 Corinthians) makes the external danger the primary concern.
What is clear: Paul issues a direct command to the church: ensure that Timothy has nothing to fear while with them, because he serves the Lord just as Paul does.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy's arrival at Corinth | Paul sent Timothy ahead from Ephesus toward Macedonia (Acts 19:22), and he is expected to come to Corinth. | Some (JFB, Paley) argue he proceeded via Macedonia and likely arrived before the letter; others (Cambridge Bible note the silence in 2 Corinthians) suggest it is uncertain whether he ever reached Corinth. |
| Nature of 'without fear' | The church must ensure Timothy is not intimidated or harmed. | Some traditions (Barnes, Wesley) stress Timothy’s youth and timidity as the cause; others (Calvin, Gill) highlight the many adversaries in Corinth, especially false teachers, who would target Paul's delegate. |
| Grounds for respect | Timothy deserves protection and honor because he is doing the Lord's work. | Whether 'as I also do' implies equal apostolic authority (Gill, Calvin notes the option) or simply a similarity of labor (Matthew Henry). |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus during his third missionary journey (Acts 19). The Corinthian church was fractured by factionalism (1 Corinthians 1, 3), sexual immorality (ch. 5), lawsuits (ch. 6), and confusion about spiritual gifts (ch. 12, 14). Paul had already sent Timothy from Ephesus ahead of this letter (1 Cor 4:17; Acts 19:22), sending him with Erastus to Macedonia. From there Timothy might travel onward to Corinth. But Paul cannot be certain, hence the cautious “if Timothy comes.” The route through Macedonia meant Timothy could arrive after the letter. The church was also threatened by false teachers who opposed Paul's apostolic authority (ch. 9, 2 Cor 10, 11). Such opponents would target a protégé of Paul. Timothy, a young man from Lystra (Acts 16:1), had a Greek father and Jewish mother. He was one of Paul's most trusted co-workers (Rom 16:21), but his youth and reported timidity (1 Tim 4:12; 2 Tim 1:6-8) made him especially vulnerable in a contentious setting. Paul's command to “see that he may be with you without fear” directly addresses the church's responsibility to protect and welcome a minister who would face these pressures.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries and textual sources note no significant variants in this verse. The Greek text is stable across the manuscript tradition.
Reception History
This verse has been used in pastoral theology to encourage congregations to treat young ministers with dignity. Matthew Henry applied it to warn against despising ministers because of youth, reflecting a common concern in ordination sermons. John Wesley used it to emphasize that the true ground of reverence is the minister's work for the Lord, not personal status. In later evangelical writing, the verse has been a basis for addressing pastoral burnout and the need for churches to foster a safe environment for leaders facing opposition. The figure of Timothy, young, somewhat timid, yet fully commissioned, has become a model for every minister who depends on the congregation's support.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- A pastor’s need for encouragement. Timothy, despite his commission, is susceptible to fear. The church’s reception determines whether he serves freely.
- The church’s duty to its ministers. Paul commands the congregation to take active care (βλέπετε, “see to it”) that Timothy is without fear. This is not optional but part of their Christian service.
- The foundation of respect: shared work for the Lord. Timothy’s labor mirrors Paul’s. The basis for honor is not age, worldly status, or eloquence, but faithful service to Christ.
Five-point outline
- The uncertainty of Timothy’s arrival reveals Paul’s contingent plans and his care for the Corinthians.
- The command: actively ensure Timothy has nothing to fear (ἀφόβως, “fearlessly”).
- The reason: he is doing the Lord’s work (ἔργον κυρίου ἐργάζεται).
- The comparison: “as I also do”, Timothy shares the same assignment and authority from Christ.
- The extension in verse 11: “let no one despise him”, a direct warning against contempt.
Illustration hooks
- A young pastor taking over a church after a long-serving leader; factions in the congregation question his credentials. Every word he says is scrutinised.
- A missionary returning to a field where local leaders oppose the gospel; the sending church must ensure he has safe conditions and moral support.
- A new teacher in a contentious Bible study group; the group’s hostility can silence a called worker.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Should we treat a young or new minister differently from an experienced one?
- What does it mean to “despise” a minister today (v.11)? Are there subtle ways we undermine pastors?
- How can we as a church better support those doing the Lord’s work, especially when they face opposition?
Leading a Discussion
This passage places a striking responsibility on the congregation: to ensure a minister of the gospel can serve fearlessly. Timothy’s vulnerability was real, youth, possible timidity, and a church in conflict. How might similar dynamics appear in our own church? Read 1 Corinthians 16:10-11 and consider Paul’s pastoral strategy.
Discussion questions
- What does Paul’s phrasing “if Timothy comes” tell you about the circumstances of his sending?
- Why would Timothy possibly be afraid in Corinth? List factors from the letter and from your knowledge of church history.
- Why does Paul mention that Timothy “does the work of the Lord, as I also do”? How does that justify the church’s special care?
- In verse 11 Paul adds “let no one despise him.” What attitudes or actions might lead a congregation to despise a minister today?
- How can we as a group “send him forward in peace” when a faithful worker leaves our church for another assignment?
- Does this passage change how you think about receiving a new pastor or youth worker? What practical steps can your church take to ensure they serve without fear?
- The Lord’s work is shared by Paul and Timothy. How does this verse encourage unity between church leaders and the congregation?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Acts 16:1 | He came to Derbe and Lystra; and behold, a certain disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewess who believed, but his father was a Greek. |
| Acts 19:22 | Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. |
| Romans 16:21 | Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. |
| I Corinthians 4:17 | Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly. |
| I Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. |
| I Corinthians 16:11 | Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers. |
| II Corinthians 1:1 | Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the assembly of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia: |
| II Corinthians 6:1 | Working together, we entreat also that you do not receive the grace of God in vain. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
9 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke disputes the traditional subscription claiming Timothy carried this letter, noting Acts shows Paul sent Timothy ahead from Ephesus to Macedonia. He then explains Paul's hope that Timothy would be treated well and not harassed by the Corinthians' divisions, since he serves the Lord as Paul does.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes stresses that Timothy, a young man, could feel out of place among Corinth's wealthy and frivolous believers. Paul asks the church to welcome him warmly and support him, especially since false teachers might try to intimidate him. Timothy deserves this because he is doing the Lord's work.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin notes that Paul’s charge to protect Timothy arises not from physical danger among them but from enemies of Christ who would oppose him. From this, Calvin infers that the church should value ministers’ lives in proportion to their gifts and diligence in God’s work, as Timothy labored in the Lord just as Paul did.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentary highlights that Paul's instruction for the Corinthians to welcome Timothy without fear fits exactly what we know of Timothy's character elsewhere: his youth and his tendency toward timidity. The apostle was sensitive to sending such a young, cautious man into a church in turmoil.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note stresses that Timothy deserves the same safe welcome as Paul himself, because he does the identical work of the Lord. The Corinthians must not intimidate him; his labor makes him an equal, not a lesser, messenger.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill notes that Paul speaks cautiously about Timothy's arrival because unforeseen events might delay him. Paul urges the Corinthians to ensure Timothy is free from fear, given the many enemies—especially false teachers—who would oppose him. This care is warranted because Timothy shares Paul's ministry and therefore faces the same dangers.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB points out that Paul sent Timothy before writing this letter, but Timothy took a route through Macedonia, so he might not reach Corinth until after the letter arrived. This apparent discrepancy, cleared up by the book of Acts, is presented as an undesigned coincidence that confirms the letter's genuineness.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that the Corinthian church's factions and pride made it likely they would mistreat young Timothy for bringing needed reproof. He insists they must not terrify or despise the man simply because he is young and alone in his work, for Christians have a duty to receive faithful correction without resentment.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Wesley’s point is that the true ground for respecting a pastor is not his age or status but the fact that he does the Lord’s work. A minister who faithfully carries out God’s calling should never be looked down on, no matter how young or inexperienced he may appear.