1 Corinthians 16:10

My Notes

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:10 Mean?

Paul instructs Corinth about Timothy's upcoming visit: make sure he's comfortable. Without fear. Because he does the Lord's work, just as I do. The instruction is protective: Timothy is young (1 Timothy 4:12), potentially vulnerable to Corinthian arrogance, and doing the same work Paul does. The church's treatment of Timothy reflects their respect for the work — and for the one who sent him.

"See that he may be with you without fear" means Timothy might have reason to BE afraid. The Corinthians were factious (1:12), challenging of authority (4:18-19), and critical. A young co-worker arriving without Paul might face hostility, dismissal, or intimidation. Paul says: don't let that happen. Make him comfortable. Remove the fear.

"He worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do" establishes Timothy's authorization: he's doing the same work as Paul. The same Lord. The same assignment. The same authority. Dismissing Timothy is dismissing the work. Intimidating Timothy is resisting the Lord. The co-worker and the apostle share the same commission.

Reflection Questions

• 1.How does your community receive young workers — with hospitality or hostility?
• 2.Does 'without fear' (Timothy might be afraid of Corinth) describe any worker you need to protect?
• 3.How does 'he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do' (same commission, same authority) change how you treat lesser-known ministers?
• 4.Does Paul's protective instruction (preparing the soil before the worker arrives) model how leaders should advocate for their team?

Devotional

When Timothy comes — make sure he's comfortable. Without fear. He's doing the Lord's work. Same as me.

Paul writes a protective instruction for his young co-worker: the Corinthians need to hear it because they might not treat Timothy well. They're factious. They're critical. They challenge authority. And Timothy — young, possibly shy (2 Timothy 1:7: "God hath not given us the spirit of fear"), less authoritative than Paul — might walk into hostility. Paul says: don't.

"Without fear" — the instruction implies the possibility of fear. Timothy might be afraid of the Corinthians. The arrogance, the factions, the criticism that characterize this church could intimidate a young co-worker arriving alone. Paul's protective instinct: make sure the fear doesn't materialize. Create an environment where Timothy can minister without being scared.

"He worketh the work of the Lord" — the authorization is the protection. Timothy isn't freelancing. He's doing the Lord's work. The same work Paul does ("as I also do"). The same commission. The same authority. The same Lord behind the assignment. Mistreating Timothy isn't just bad manners. It's resisting the Lord's work.

The instruction reveals Paul's pastoral heart: he's thinking about Timothy's experience. Not just the message Timothy will deliver. The environment he'll deliver it in. The emotional safety of the young worker who's walking into a hostile church. Paul doesn't just send Timothy. He prepares the soil Timothy will land on.

This is what leadership looks like: sending AND protecting. Assigning AND advocating. Commissioning the worker AND preparing the workplace. Paul does both — because the worker's effectiveness depends on the worker's safety.

When the next young worker arrives at your community — the one who's doing the Lord's work but doesn't carry the apostle's authority — how will you receive them? Without fear? Or with the hostility that makes them afraid?

Make room for Timothy.

Commentary

Trusted original commentary from respected historical Bible scholars and theologians.

Cross References

Related passages throughout Scripture