I Corinthians 16:11 · Bible study
1 Corinthians 16:11 Commentary: Respecting a Young Minister, Sending Him Forward in Peace
Greek · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Paul warns against despising Timothy because of his youth and asks the Corinthians to send him forward in peace. Two views on 'I expect him with the brethren.'
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul instructs the Corinthians not to dismiss Timothy because of his youth and to send him off with provision and blessing, so he can come safely and eagerly to Paul.
- Key words: ἐξουθενήσῃ (utterly despise), προπέμψατε (equip for travel), εἰρήνῃ (peace, also safety), ἐκδέχομαι (I am expecting).
- Main debate: Does ‘with the brethren’ mean Timothy travels with companions, or that Paul and his companions are eagerly awaiting him? Both readings are grammatically possible.
- Theological theme: Mutual respect and hospitality among Christian workers; the church supports and sends those who do the Lord’s work.
- Best use: Teach on honoring all servants of Christ, especially the young or inexperienced, and on the practical care (provision, peace, partnership) that congregations owe to those they send.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.
WEB World English Bible 2000
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.
KJV King James Version 1769
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.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
no one, then, may despise him; and send ye him forward in peace, that he may come to me, for I expect him with the brethren;
Darby Darby Bible 1890
Let not therefore any one despise him; but set him forward in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct ye him on his way in peace, that he may come to me. For I look for him with the brethren.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Por tanto, nadie|strong="G3361, G5100" le tenga en poco; antes, llevadlo|strong="G4311, G0846" en paz, para que venga á mí: porque lo espero con los hermanos.
Portanto ninguém o despreze; mas enviai-o em paz, para que ele venha a mim; porque eu o espero com os irmãos.
Que personne donc ne le méprise. Accompagnez-le en paix, afin qu’ il vienne vers moi, car je l’ attends avec les frères.
Daß ihn nun nicht jemand verachte! Geleitet ihn aber im Frieden, daß er zu mir komme; denn ich warte sein mit den Brüdern.
Dat hem dan niemand verachte; maar geleidt hem in vrede, opdat hij tot mij kome; want ik verwacht hem met de broederen.
Nessuno dunque lo sprezzi; ma fatelo proseguire in pace, affinché venga da me; poiché io l’aspetto coi fratelli.
Przetoż niechaj go nikt nie lekceważy; ale odprowadźcie go w pokoju, aby przyszedł do mnie; bo go czekam z braćmi.
Посему никто не пренебрегай его, но проводите его с миром, чтобы он пришел ко мне, ибо я жду его с братиями.
所以，無論 誰 都不可藐視 他，只要 送 他 平安前行，叫 他到 我 這裡來，因 我指望 他 和 弟兄們同來。
See then that he has the honour which is right. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me: for I am looking for him with the brothers.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Corinthians 16:11
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 is concerned the Corinthians might look down on Timothy for his youth and inexperience (Barnes, Gill, Calvin). The verb ἐξουθενήσῃ (aorist subjunctive, ‘may despise utterly’) conveys a strong warning: no one should treat him as worthless. Paul counteracts this by noting Timothy ‘does the work of the Lord’ (1 Cor 16:10) and deserves the same honor as an apostle.
On ‘I look for him with the brethren,’ two readings coexist. Adam Clarke argues that Paul says “I, with the brethren, am looking for him”, Paul and those with him at Ephesus are eagerly awaiting Timothy. Barnes and the Cambridge Bible, however, understand ‘with the brethren’ to mean that Timothy will travel with a group (perhaps Erastus and others, Acts 19:22) to join Paul. The Greek phrase ἐκδέχομαι αὐτὸν μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν permits either reading, and both emphasize Paul’s deep partnership with fellow workers.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Traveling companions view: Barnes and Cambridge Bible point to Acts 19:22 (Erastus sent with Timothy) and the common custom of sending missionaries in pairs or groups.
- Paul-with-companions view: Clarke argues the Greek places Paul as the subject of ‘expect’ and the phrase ‘with the brethren’ describes who is with Paul, not who travels with Timothy. The Ethiopic version supports this reading.
What is clear: Paul insists that Timothy be respected and supported for his journey, and that the church’s involvement is vital to his safe return.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Timothy’s youth as a reason for contempt | Commentators agree that Timothy’s young age would likely cause some Corinthians to treat him with less respect, and Paul gives a strong warning against this. | No significant debate; all major sources point to 1 Tim 4:12 and the general cultural expectation of age-based respect. |
| Meaning of ‘send him forward in peace’ | The phrase involves practical care, providing for the journey, an escort, and a blessing. All see it as a tangible expression of love and honor. | Clarke argues that ‘in peace’ (εἰρήνῃ) specifically means ‘in safety,’ while others include the idea of a cordial, peaceful dismissal. The difference is minor. |
| Who is ‘with the brethren’ in ‘I look for him with the brethren’ | Both sides agree that Paul is not alone in his concern for Timothy; the community is involved. | View 1 (Clarke, Wesley): Paul himself, along with the brethren at Ephesus, is waiting for Timothy. View 2 (Barnes, Cambridge Bible): Timothy is traveling with certain brothers (Erastus, others) and Paul expects him along with them. The Greek permits both. |
| Paul’s authority over Timothy’s mission | Paul sent Timothy and expects Timothy to return to him; Timothy is an extension of Paul’s own ministry. | No debate; all sources agree Paul views Timothy as a faithful co-worker doing ‘the work of the Lord.’ |
| Application to modern church hospitality | The verse calls for respectful reception and practical support of visiting ministers, especially those who are young or new. | No debate; the principle is broadly accepted across traditions. |
Historical & Cultural Context
First Corinthians was written from Ephesus (16:8), where Paul was staying until Pentecost. The church in Corinth was marked by factions, pride, and a tendency to value rhetorical gifts over genuine service (1 Cor 1, 4). Into this heated atmosphere Paul sent Timothy, a younger coworker. Paul himself may have been absent, so Timothy’s authority depended on the church’s willingness to receive him.
In the ancient world, age commanded respect. A young messenger, especially one sent to correct deep divisions, could be dismissed as inexperienced. Paul had earlier faced similar resistance when opponents questioned his own apostolic credentials (2 Cor 10:10). Now he preempts the same treatment toward Timothy.
The phrase ‘send him forward in peace’ reflects a common early Christian practice. When a minister or missionary left a community, they were provided with food, money, and companions for the road, and were given a safe escort (Acts 15:33; 3 John 6). The word προπέμψατε (aorist imperative) means not merely ‘send him off’ but ‘equip him for the journey.’ The noun εἰρήνῃ carries the sense of safety and blessing (Clarke notes ‘in safety,’ comparing Mark 5:34). Paul wants Timothy’s departure to be marked by tangible care, not contempt.
Textual Notes
The supplied commentaries and lexical data note no significant manuscript variants for 1 Corinthians 16:11. The Greek text is stable across the major critical editions. The only interpretive ambiguity concerns the syntax of ‘with the brethren,’ which is a matter of grammar rather than textual variation.
Reception History
Early church fathers read this verse as a mandate to honor young clergy. Chrysostom commented on Timothy’s example and the need for congregations to receive youthful ministers with grace. Through the medieval period, the verse was cited in discussions about the treatment of bishops and presbyters. During the Reformation, Calvin and the Geneva Bible highlighted the importance of respecting those who carry out the work of the Lord, regardless of age. In the Wesleyan tradition, Clarke’s note emphasizes ‘peace’ as safety and partnership. Across traditions, the verse has consistently been used to teach the value of humble service and communal support for traveling evangelists and missionaries.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Honor the young messenger. Paul forbids despising Timothy (1 Tim 4:12). The Corinthians, proud of their wisdom, might look down on youth, but Paul elevates Timothy’s role as a servant of the Lord.
- Send him forward in peace. This is practical hospitality: provision, escort, blessing. It mirrors how Paul himself hoped to be sent (1 Cor 16:6) and how all traveling workers should be supported.
- Partnership in ministry. Whether Timothy travels with brothers or Paul awaits him with the brothers, the point is the same, no one serves alone. The church’s care for one worker strengthens the whole mission.
Five-point outline
- Warning against contempt: ‘Let no one despise him.’ Age, background, or style must not hinder receiving a godly servant.
- Reason for respect: Timothy does the Lord’s work, just as Paul does (16:10). He carries apostolic authority.
- Commissioning act: ‘Send him forward’, a concrete gesture of affirmation and provision.
- Desired outcome: ‘That he may come to me in peace’, Paul wants Timothy safe and encouraged, not shaken by a hostile reception.
- Mutual expectation: ‘I look for him with the brethren’, the whole Ephesus church is invested in Timothy’s return.
Illustration hooks
- A young pastor or intern visits a seasoned congregation. Some dismiss his ideas because of his age. How does the church respond?
- A short-term missions team is about to leave. The congregation holds a commissioning service, praying over them and supplying funds, a modern ‘send them forward.’
- After a difficult meeting, a leader says, ‘I’ll be fine on my own.’ But Paul shows that even he depends on ‘the brethren’ to share the weight.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How do we honor leaders who are younger or newer to the faith?
- What does ‘sending in peace’ look like when a staff member or missionary moves on?
- How can we be a church that eagerly expects reports and stays connected with those we’ve sent?
Leading a Discussion
This small verse reveals how deeply Paul valued Timothy’s mission and the Corinthians’ role in it. Read 1 Corinthians 16:10, 12 to see the full picture. Paul is not just giving instructions; he is protecting a young worker and modeling a church-wide partnership in the gospel. As you discuss, think about your own congregation’s habits of receiving, supporting, and staying connected with those who serve.
Discussion questions
- Why might the Corinthians have been tempted to ‘despise’ Timothy? What does Paul say that should change their attitude?
- What does ‘send him forward in peace’ have to do with physical provision? With emotional support?
- How does Paul’s mention of ‘the brethren’ (whether as Timothy’s travel companions or Paul’s waiting partners) show the communal nature of ministry?
- Compare this verse to 1 Timothy 4:12 and 3 John 6. What common themes do you see about how churches should treat traveling ministers?
- In what situations might a church today fail to show respect to a younger or less experienced leader? What can we learn from Paul’s words?
- How can our small group or church ‘send forward’ a pastor, missionary, or member who is relocating? List one practical step.
- Paul says he expects Timothy ‘with the brethren.’ How does knowing others are also waiting affect the way you pray for and support those who serve away from your 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)
| Luke 10:16 | Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” |
| Acts 15:33 | After they had spent some time there, they were dismissed in peace from the brothers to the apostles. |
| I Corinthians 16:6 | But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go. |
| I Corinthians 16:10 | Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without fear, for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do. |
| I Thessalonians 4:8 | Therefore he who rejects this doesn’t reject man, but God, who has also given his Holy Spirit to you. |
| I Timothy 4:12 | Let no man despise your youth; but be an example to those who believe, in word, in your way of life, in love, in spirit, in faith, and in purity. |
| Titus 2:15 | Say these things and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one despise you. |
| III John 1:6 | They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, |
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
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke clarifies two common misunderstandings. The phrase "conduct him forth in peace" actually means to accompany him safely on his journey, not simply to send him off with a blessing. And when Paul says he looks for him with the brethren, it means the brethren with Paul are also expecting him, not that Paul expects certain brethren to travel with Timothy.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes draws attention to the responsibility placed on the congregation, not just on Timothy. Paul urges the Corinthians to treat the young minister with respect because of his office, not to dismiss him due to his age. They are also to help him on his journey, as Paul expects Timothy to travel with other companions.
Calvin's Commentaries Reformed 1564
Calvin reads "let no one despise him" as a warning against undervaluing Timothy because of his youth or because the Corinthians do not yet recognize his worth. The command to send him on in peace, he explains, means sending him on in safety, free from harm.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The Cambridge Bible notes that the "brethren" who carried this letter were the ones entrusted to escort Timothy on his journey. These men were sent directly from Ephesus, and Timothy was to travel back with them whether he was already in Corinth or arrived after them.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva Notes emphasize that Timothy should not be looked down on, likely because of his youth or lowly role. Paul expects him to travel not alone but accompanied by other brothers, showing that Timothy’s work is supported and that he is to be honored and sent forward peacefully.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill warns that despising Timothy includes neglecting his practical needs, since his work is as honorable as Paul's own. He interprets "conduct him forth in peace" as actively providing for his journey and accompanying him, expecting Timothy to bring news of the church's steadfastness and care for Paul.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB notes that Paul gives this specific warning about despising Timothy to no other messenger, precisely because Timothy was young and likely to be dismissed on that account. He also draws attention to "peace" as the Eastern salutation of respect and a pointed contrast to the contentions plaguing Corinth.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange insists that Paul's instruction to "lay by him in store" means each believer set aside money privately at home each first day of the week, not during a church gathering. The collection was to be a voluntary, systematic, individual act of preparation, so that no hurried collections would be needed when Paul arrived.
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
I look for him with the brethren - That accompany him.