Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 16:12
As touching [our] brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
12. touching our brother Apollos ] See note on ch. 1Co 1:12. St Paul was anxious to have put Apollos, as a man of weight in the Corinthian Church, in charge of his letter. But Apollos steadfastly declined to go, fearing that his presence might foment, instead of allaying, the disorders. Titus and Apollos are found in close intercourse with each other and with St Paul many years later in Tit 3:13.
but his will was not at all to come at this time ] The original is even stronger, but it was not at all his will to come now.
when he shall have convenient time ] i.e. when he shall consider it a suitable time.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
As touching our brother Apollos – Tyndale renders this, To speak of brother Apollo. In regard to Apollos, see the note at 1Co 1:12.
His will was not at all to come at this time – It is probable that there were matters which detained him, or which required his presence in Ephesus. It is not known why Apollos had left Corinth, but it has been supposed that it was on account of the dissensions which existed there. For the same reason he might not be induced to return there while those dissensions lasted and there might be employment which he had where he then was which rendered his presence there important. The Latin fathers say that Apollos did after this return to Corinth, when the religious differences had been settled – Bloomfield. It is probable that the Corinthians had requested, by the messengers who carried their letter to Paul, that either he or Apollos would come and visit them. Paul states, in reply, that he had endeavored to prevail on Apollos to go, but had not succeeded.
He will come when he shall have convenient thee – The Greek word means, when he should have leisure, or a good opportunity. He might then be engaged; or he might be unwilling to go while their contentions lasted. They had probably 1Co 1:12 endeavored to make him the head of a party, and on that account he might have been unwilling to return at present among them. But Paul assures them that he designed to come among them at some future time. This was said probably to show them that he still retained his affection for them, and had a tender solicitude for their peace and prosperity. Had this not been said, they might, perhaps, have inferred that he was offended, and had no desire to come among them.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 12. As touching our brother Apollos] It appears from this that the brethren, of whom the apostle speaks in the preceding verse, were then with him at Ephesus; I, with the brethren, greatly desired to come.
But his will was not at all to come] As there had been a faction set up in the name of Apollos at Corinth, he probably thought it not prudent to go thither at this time, lest his presence might be the means of giving it either strength or countenance.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Apollos (as may be seen, Act 18:27) was known to them, and had been a preacher amongst them, and was grateful to many of them; he was an eloquent man, mighty in the Scriptures, instructed in the way of the Lord, and fervent in the spirit, Act 18:24-28; he was one of those from whom some of this church denominated themselves, 1Co 3:4. For these reasons Paul would have persuaded him to go and visit this church, (which some think that he had left, because of those contentions and divisions which were amongst them), but he had no mind to go at that time; though it is said, that he afterwards did return again to them, when Paul, by his Epistle, had quieted those divisions, and allayed their heats.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
12. Apollos, I greatly desired . . .to come unto youHe says this lest they should suspect that hefrom jealousy prevented Apollos’ coming to them; perhaps they hadexpressly requested Apollos to be sent to them. Apollos was not atEphesus when Paul wrote (compare 1Co 16:19;1Co 1:1). Probably Apollos’unwillingness to go to Corinth at this time was because, being awareof the undue admiration of his rhetorical style which led astray manyat Corinth, he did not wish to sanction it (1Co 1:12;1Co 3:4). Paul’s noble freedomfrom all selfish jealousy led him to urge Apollos to go; and, on theother hand, Apollos, having heard of the abuse of his name at Corinthto party purposes, perseveringly refused to go. Paul, of course,could not state in his letter particularly these reasons in theexisting state of division prevalent there. He calls Apollos”brother” to mark the unity that was between the two.
with the brethrenwhobear this letter (1Co 16:17).(See 1Co 16:24, subscriptionadded to the Epistle). CONYBEAREthinks Titus was one of the bearers of this first letter (2Co 8:6;2Co 8:16-24; 2Co 12:18).ALFORD thinks “thebrethren” here may be the same as in 1Co16:11.
convenient timeApollosdid return to Corinth when their divisions were moderated [JEROME],and so it was a more seasonable time.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
As touching our brother Apollos,…. Who was a senior man to Timothy, an eloquent preacher, one who had been at Corinth, and was well known to the saints there, and greatly approved by many of them; wherefore the apostle excuses it, that he should send the one, and not the other, and shows that it was no fault of his: for, says he,
I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren; who seem to be Timotheus and Erastus, see Ac 19:22. He greatly importuned him to go along with them, knowing how acceptable he would be among them, and hoping he might be of great use to them in composing their differences, and rectifying their disorders.
But his will was not at all to come at this time; or “it was not the will”; that is, of God, as some supply it, for him to come now; or he had no mind himself, nor could he be persuaded; he had reasons to himself why he judged it not proper to come at present: however, for their encouragement it is added,
but he will come when he shall have convenient time; he is not averse to coming, but some things at present hinder him; when he has a suitable opportunity he will make use of it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
And it was not at all his will to come now ( ). Adversative use of = “but.” Apollos had left Corinth in disgust over the strife there which involved him and Paul (1Co 1-4). He had had enough of partisan strife over preachers.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
1) “As touching our brother Apollos,” (peri de apollo tou adelphou) “Now concerning our brother Apollos,” Act 19:1; a party of ministerial contention, 1Co 1:11-12; 1Co 3:4-6. He was an eloquent Christian Jew of Alexandria, Egypt, Act 18:24.
2) “I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren (polla -parekalesa auton hina elthe pros humas meta ton adelphon) “I pleaded with him to come to you with the brethren.” This shows greatness of Spirit on the part of Paul.
3) “But his will was not at all to come at this time;” (kai pantos ouk en thelema hina nun elthe) “But it was not his strong will now or hereafter to come,” Apollos with strong modesty and delicacy declined at this time to return to Corinth.
4) “But he will come” (eleusetai) “But he will come.” was convinced that, with passing of time and tempered tongues and judgment in the Corinth church, Apollos would return.
5) “When he shall have convenient time.” (hotan eukairese) “Whenever he has an opportune time or season.” Apollos as an orator was a popular and busy orator for God and good down in Egypt, Act 18:24 where he and John Mark labored till death.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
12. As to our brother Apollos. He had succeeded Paul in the work of building up the Corinthians; and hence he has in previous passages ascribed to him the office of watering. (1Co 3:6, and Act 19:1.) He now states a reason why he does not come with the others, and he states the reason of this, in order that the Corinthians may not suspect that he had been hindered by him. For the better he was known by them, they were so much the more favourably disposed towards him, and they would be the more ready to conjecture, that matters had been designedly contrived, that he should not go to them, in consequence of offense having been taken. (167) They might, at least, be prepared to inquire among themselves: “Why has he sent these persons to us rather than Apollos?” He answers, that it was not owing to him, inasmuch as he entreated him; but he promises that he will come as soon as he has opportunity.
(167) “ Que sainct Paul se sentant offense par les Corinthiens, auoit attitre cela tout expres, qu’ Apollos n’allast point vers eux;” — “That St. Paul feeling offended with the Corinthians, had intentionally brought it about, that Apollos should not go to them.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(12) As touching our brother Apollos.St. Paul, free from the smallest spark of personal jealousy, had wished that Apollos, whose name had been used as the designation of a faction in opposition to the Apostle himself, should go with this letter to Corinth. St. Paul had planted, Apollos had watered that Church, and in the absence of the planter, Apollos would have been the most likely and proper person to exercise authority there. The unselfish consideration of St. Paul is equalled by the thoughtful reluctance of Apollos, who fears that his presence might encourage the one faction, and perhaps embitter the other, and he declines, not considering it a convenient time to do so. In the thought of these teachers convenient meant the good of Christs Church, and not the ease or comfort of any individual man.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
12. Apollos This interesting personage was first found by Paul here at Ephesus, (Act 18:24-28,) whence he went to Corinth. His success and popularity there could not induce him to stay, and he returned and is found here with Paul again at Ephesus. A faction at Corinth called itself by his name.
Will not to come How little these two noble men countenanced the assumption of their names, appears from this passage. Paul, so far from fearing his action or influence at Corinth, beseeches him to visit that city with Titus. Apollos, probably with the same disgust at the factions that drove him thence, for the present declines to go. Jerome says, that when peace was restored he returned to that city, and was made its bishop.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come to you with the brothers, and it was not at all his will to come now, but he will come when he shall have opportunity.’
Meanwhile he lets them know that he had urgently asked Apollos to visit them, but that it had not yet proved possible, although as soon as it was he would come. Whether Apollos’ reluctance was due to God’s call to another sphere, or whether it was due to the fact that he had a deeper awareness than Paul of the hardened attitude of many in the Corinthian church, we do not know. Perhaps he felt that if he went at that stage it would simply make the relationship between Paul and the church more difficult. But what Paul wants the Corinthians to know is that he and Apollos are at one and not rivals.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Closing Remarks Paul then informs them of the work of Apollos as it relates to them (1Co 16:12). In 1Co 16:13-18 Paul gives them a final exhortation to work together in unity. In 1Co 16:19-21 Paul gives closing greetings from the believers in Asia. He then closes with a final benediction and assures them of his unfailing love for them after having given them words of correction (1Co 16:22-24).
1. News Concerning Apollos 1Co 16:12
2. Final Exhortation 1Co 16:13-18
3. Final Greeting 1Co 16:19-21
4. Final Benediction 1Co 16:22-24
1Co 16:12 News Concerning Apollos In 1Co 16:12 Paul gives the Corinthians an update of the ministry of Apollos.
1Co 16:12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
1Co 16:12
1Co 16:13-18 Final Exhortation In 1Co 16:13-18 Paul offers the Corinthians some final exhortations.
Stephanas and His Companions It appears from 1Co 16:15-18 that Stephanas was a leader in the church at Corinth. Paul not only lists his name first among the three who visited him (1Co 16:17), but he describes him as “the firstfruits of Achaia,” and one who has “addicted himself to the ministry” (1Co 16:15). Paul then tells the Corinthians to submit themselves to such as who are labouring among them like Stephanas (1Co 16:16).
1Co 16:13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
1Co 16:13
1Co 16:13 “quit you like men” – Comments Paul tells them to “act brave, be men of courage.”
1Co 16:13 “be strong” – Comments – Be strong spiritually. There are only four uses of this Greek verb in New Testament. The other three uses are:
Luk 1:80, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit , and was in the deserts till the day of his shewing unto Israel.”
Luk 2:40, “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit , filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.”
Eph 3:16, “That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;”
There is one adjective form of this same Greek verb that is used in 1Pe 5:6:
1Pe 5:6, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:”
Also, note:
1Jn 2:14, “I have written unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong , and the word of God abideth in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.”
1Co 16:13 Illustration – The children of Israel encouraged themselves in the Lord:
Jdg 20:22, “And the people the men of Israel encouraged themselves, and set their battle again in array in the place where they put themselves in array the first day.”
The Philistines were able to encourage themselves and win the battle. See:
1Sa 4:7-9, “And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, God is come into the camp. And they said, Woe unto us! for there hath not been such a thing heretofore. Woe unto us! who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty Gods? these are the Gods that smote the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. Be strong, and quit yourselves like men , O ye Philistines, that ye be not servants unto the Hebrews, as they have been to you: quit yourselves like men, and fight.”
Note that there was another time when David encouraged himself in the Lord.
1Sa 30:6, “And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the LORD his God .”
King David told his son Solomon to be strong like a man should be.
1Ki 2:2, ”I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and shew thyself a man;”
God told Job to gird up his loins like a man and interact with Him in dialogue.
Job 38:3, “Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.”
1Co 16:14 Let all your things be done with charity.
1Co 16:15 1Co 16:15
Stephanas is also mentioned at the beginning of this epistle to the Corinthians and in verse 17. Otherwise, there are no other references to him in the Scriptures.
1Co 1:16, “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas : besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
He was evidently one of Paul’s early converts in the city of Corinth. He was one of a few people that Paul himself baptized. Stephanas became a faithful servant in the church.
In this humble service, Stephanas, accompanied by Fortunatus and Achaicus, brought gifts (1Co 16:17) and a letter (1Co 7:1) to Paul while he was perhaps in the city of Ephesus (1Co 16:8).
1Co 16:17, “I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.”
1Co 7:1, “Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.”
1Co 16:8, “But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.”
This visit resulted in Paul writing the epistle of 1 Corinthians, of which Stephanas became the bearer when he and his two friends returned to Corinth.
1Co 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
1Co 16:17 1Co 16:18 1Co 16:19-21
1Co 16:19 The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
1Co 16:19
Act 18:1-2, “After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them.”
He took them with him on his way back to Antioch and left them in the city of Ephesus.
Act 18:18-19, “And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.”
We find that this couple is still in Ephesus when Paul returns on his third missionary journey and writes his first epistle to the Corinthians from there. They had started a church in their home while in Ephesus.
1Co 16:19, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.”
In Rom 16:3, which is dated a short time later, we find them back in the city of Rome. It is possible that Paul sent them to Rome before he left Ephesus in order to help establish the church there.
Rom 16:3-4, “Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus: Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.”
Near the end of Paul’s life, while writing to Timothy from the city of Rome just before his death, we find this couple back in Ephesus.
2Ti 4:19, “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.”
This story would certainly fit the Paul’s description of their sacrifices of laying down their lives in the following verse (1Co 16:4). They had returned to Rome, which was placing them in risk of their lives. They had served in Ephesus for some years until Paul returned on his next visit. Thus, the churches of the Gentiles had something to thank them for.
1Co 16:19 “with the church that is in their house” Comments – The common meeting places for the early churches were in the homes of those members who were wealthy or able to accommodate them. Thus, at Colossi the congregation met in the house of Philemon (Phm 1:2). At Ephesus the congregation initially met in the school of Tyrannus (Act 19:9) before later meeting in the house of Aquila and Prisca (1Co 16:19, Rom 16:5). At Corinth the church met initially in the house of Justus (Act 18:7), and later in the house of Gaius, as the congregation grew in number (Rom 16:23). At Laodicea one congregation met in the house of Nympha (Col 4:15). In Philippi the early believers probably met in the house of Lydia (Act 16:15). In Thessalonica the first converts probably met in the house of Jason (Act 17:5). This was the way Jesus Christ commanded His disciples in Mat 10:11-13 to find a place of rest during their travels, by staying in the homes of those who received their message.
Mat 10:11-13, “And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.”
1Co 16:20 All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.
1Co 16:20
[191] James D. G. Dunn, Romans 1-8, in Word Biblical Commentary, vol. 38A (Dallas, Texas: Word, Incorporated, 2002), in Libronix Digital Library System, v. 2.1c [CD-ROM] (Bellingham, WA: Libronix Corp., 2000-2004), comments on Romans 16:16.
Rom 16:16, “Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you.”
2Co 13:12, “Greet one another with an holy kiss.”
1Th 5:26, “Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.”
1Pe 5:14, “Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.”
1Co 16:21 The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.
1Co 16:21
Rom 16:22, “I Tertius, who wrote this epistle, salute you in the Lord.”
1Co 16:21, “The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.”
Gal 6:11, “Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand.”
Col 4:18, “The salutation by the hand of me Paul. Remember my bonds. Grace be with you. Amen.”
2Th 3:17, “The salutation of Paul with mine own hand, which is the token in every epistle: so I write.”
Phm 1:19, “I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.”
1Co 16:22-24 Final Benediction In 1Co 16:22-24 Paul writes the final benediction to his first epistle to the Corinthians.
1Co 16:22 If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.
1Co 16:23 1Co 16:23
Mat 10:13, “And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.”
This practice of speaking blessings upon God’s children may have its roots in the Priestly blessing of Num 6:22-27, where God instructed Moses to have the priests speak a blessing upon the children of Israel. Now Paul closes his first epistle to the Corinthians by restating the blessing that he opened his epistle with in 1Co 1:3.
1Co 16:23 Comments (2) – In 1Co 16:23 Paul basically commends them into the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ, in much the same way that he did in the book of Acts. We find this statement at the end of all of Paul’s epistles.
Act 14:23, “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
Act 20:32, “And now, brethren, 1 Commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
1Co 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
1Co 16:24
Fuente: Everett’s Study Notes on the Holy Scriptures
1Co 16:12. Our brother There are few, perhaps, who need be told, yet it may be convenient, once for all, to remark, that, in the Apostle’s time, brother was the ordinary appellation which Christians used one to another. The brethren here mentioned seem to be Stephanas and those others who came with a message, or letter, to St. Paul from the church of Corinth, by whom he returned this epistle in answer. See Act 11:26.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Co 16:12 . ] marks the transition from Timothy to Apollo.
. .] stands independently: quod attinet ad Apoll ., as 1Co 16:1 ; 1Co 7:1 .
. . .] design of the : I have advised him much, in order that he should come , etc. Paul makes this remark: “ne Corinthii suspicentur, ab eo fuisse impeditum,” Calvin. Perhaps they had expressly besought that Apollos might be sent to the.
is intensive , as in 1Co 16:19 , and often in Greek writer.
] These are the Corinthian Christians, who journeyed back from Ephesus to Corinth with this Epistle. See 1Co 16:17 . Here also the words are not to be joined with (Hofmann), but with . . ., beside which they stan.
. . .] And the will was wholly (out and out) lacking (“sermo quasi impersonalis,” Bengel) in order to come now , comp. Mat 18:14 . The context compels us to understand of the will of Apollos , not of God’s will (Theodoret, Oecumenius, Theophylact, Bengel, Rckert). does not stand for (Beza and others), comp. Rom 1:13 .
.] So soon as he shall have found a convenient time for it. Regarding the lateness of the word in Greek, see Lobeck, ad Phryn. p. 125.
REMARK.
It follows from this passage that Apollos, who by this time must have been again (Act 18:24 ff.) in Ephesus, [108] was neither a faction-maker nor at variance with Paul, for Paul himself plainly regarded his going to Corinth as a thing advantageous and to be desired. Hence, too, the refusal of Apollos is not to be explained from fear of adding new fuel to the party heats, but simply from the contents of the . He must have found hindrances for the present in the relations of his work, by which he saw himself detained from the desired journey until a more convenient time, so that he did not yield even to the advice of the apostle. The text tells us nothing further; but the Corinthians themselves might learn more details from the bearers of the Epistle. Van Hengel ( Gave d. talen . p. 111 f.) brings the refusal into a too arbitrarily assumed connection with the Corinthian misuse of the glossolalia.
[108] He seems, however, just when this letter was written to have been absent for a time, since no special greeting is sent from him.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
12 As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Ver. 12. I greatly desire him ] Paul did not compel or command him as the pope takes upon him to do, even to princes and potentates. Oh, that all kings would answer him in this case, as Philip the Fair of France did Pope Boniface, claiming a power there to bestow prebends and benefices Sciat tua maxima fatuitas. (Alsted. Chron.)
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
12 .] Of Apollos: that he was not willing at present to go to them . , transitional.
On the construction of . ., see on 1Co 16:1 .
. ] denotes the aim, not only the purport of the exhortation. See remarks on ch. 1Co 14:13 .
“Ideo excusat, ne suspicentur Corinthii ab eo fuisse impeditum. Apud se qurere poterant: Cur hos potius quam Apollo nobis misit? Respondet, minime per so stetisse, &c.” Calvin. Meyer remarks, perhaps the Corinthians had expressly desired that Apollos should be sent to them. . .] perhaps, those who went with Timotheus (see above): perhaps, those who were to bear this letter ( 1Co 16:17 ).
] and , not, ‘ but :’ see Joh 16:32 ; Rom 1:13 . It merely couples the exhortation with its result.
] Evidently the will of Apollos , not, as Theophyl.: , .
.] The present not seeming to him a suitable one: apparently on account of the divisions hinted at in the beginning of the Epistle.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Co 16:12 . The manner in which the clause is loosely prefixed to the statement of this ver. (“Now about Apollos the brother” ) suggests that Apollos’ coming had been mentioned in the Church Letter: cf. 1Co 16:1 , 1Co 7:1 , etc. Respecting Apollos , see notes to 1Co 1:12 , and Act 18:24 ff. Considering the way in which Ap. had been made a rival to P. in Cor [2668] , it shows magnanimity on Paul’s side to desire his return, and a modest delicacy on the side of Apollos to decline the request: . . ., “And there was no will at all (it was altogether contrary to his will) that he should come now”. (see parls.) denotes “to have good opportunity”. The present ferment at Cor [2669] affords no for Apollos’ coming. For , and , see parls.
[2668] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2669] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: 1Co 16:12
12 But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity.
1Co 16:12 “But concerning” This is another answer to a question asked by the Corinthian church (cf. 1Co 7:1; 1Co 7:25; 1Co 8:1; 1Co 12:1; 1Co 16:1; 1Co 16:12).
“Apollos” This was a highly educated and eloquent preacher from Alexandria, Egypt. He was in Corinth earlier (cf. Act 18:24 to Act 19:1), but he refused to go back (cf. 1Co 16:12).
“and it was not at all his desire to come now” The text can be interpreted in two ways: (1) it was not Apollos’ will to come or (2) it was not God’s will for him to come. From this verse it seems that Apollos had left Ephesus between the time Paul talked to him and the writing of this letter.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
As touching = Now concerning (App-104.)
desired = exhorted. App-134.
to = in order that (Greek. hina) he should.
will. App-102.
at this time = now.
have convenient time = have leisure. Greek. eukaireo. See Act 17:21. So far from being jealous of the popularity of Apollos (1Co 1:12). Paul urges him to visit Corinth. To him God’s glory was the one object to be sought (1Co 3:5-7. Php 1:1, Php 1:18).
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
12.] Of Apollos: that he was not willing at present to go to them. , transitional.
On the construction of . ., see on 1Co 16:1.
. ] denotes the aim, not only the purport of the exhortation. See remarks on ch. 1Co 14:13.
Ideo excusat, ne suspicentur Corinthii ab eo fuisse impeditum. Apud se qurere poterant: Cur hos potius quam Apollo nobis misit? Respondet, minime per so stetisse, &c. Calvin. Meyer remarks, perhaps the Corinthians had expressly desired that Apollos should be sent to them. . .] perhaps, those who went with Timotheus (see above): perhaps, those who were to bear this letter (1Co 16:17).
] and, not, but: see Joh 16:32; Rom 1:13. It merely couples the exhortation with its result.
] Evidently the will of Apollos, not, as Theophyl.: , .
.] The present not seeming to him a suitable one: apparently on account of the divisions hinted at in the beginning of the Epistle.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 16:12. , I strongly urged [greatly desired]) Paul was not afraid of the Corinthians preferring Apollos, who was present with them, to himself. Apollos, when Paul sent this epistle, was not present, for he is not mentioned either at 1Co 16:19 or at ch. 1Co 1:1.- , with the brethren) 1Co 16:17. These are different from those at 1Co 16:11.- , the will was not) An expression as it were impersonal; where the matter is considered, as to be or not to be the object of the wish [will], without expressing, whose will it is; wherein however the standard is the will of God; comp. Mat 18:14. So also the Greeks use the verb , Act 2:12.- , when he shall have convenient time) The convenience indicated is not carnal convenience, but that which follows the will of God.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 16:12
1Co 16:12
But as touching Apollos the brother,-Apollos is presented to us at Ephesus as a man, mighty in the Old Testament Scriptures, knowing only Johns baptism, whom Priscilla and Aquila took to themselves, and expounded unto him the way of God more accurately. And when he was minded to pass over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him, and wrote to the disciples to receive him: and when he was come, he helped them much that had believed through grace; for he powerfully confuted the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was the Christ. (Act 18:24-28). One of the parties at Corinth claimed him as their leader. For this and some other reasons, it has been claimed that he was the opponent of Paul at Corinth mentioned in this letter. (1Co 1:12; 1Co 3:4-6).
I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: -Paul besought Apollos to go to Corinth to use his influence to correct the evils at work there, and this shows the close relation that existed between them and the unreasonableness of regarding them as representatives of rival parties.
and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.-He declined going at that time, but promised that he would go at a convenient time. Paul always spoke of Apollos with brotherly love. There was no conflict between them.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
our: 1Co 1:12, 1Co 3:5, 1Co 3:22, Act 18:24-28, Act 19:1, Tit 3:4
when: Ecc 3:1, Mar 6:21, Act 24:25
Reciprocal: Luk 1:3 – seemed Act 15:34 – it pleased Act 18:20 – he 1Th 3:2 – our brother
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Co 16:12. Paul was an apostle while Apollos was only an unofficial preacher, yet he was not bound to make the journey to Corinth, for the apostle only greatly desired him to go. This indicates that Paul was not inclined to abuse his position by commanding another brother in matters where the legislation of God was not involved.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Co 16:12. But as touching Apollos our brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethrenprobably a deputation of brethren (Titus and two others) sent to Corinth to complete its collection before the apostles arrival (2Co 8:6; 2Co 8:18; 2Co 8:22). If so, he probably wished Apollos to take the lead in that deputation, and Titus may only have been fixed on when Apollos declined. In this case, the apostles wish that he should go, and the declinature of Apollos, were alike honourable to the high principle and brotherly affection of both, considering the jealousies which their names had respectively aroused at Corinth. Apollos consented, as we shall presently see, to go at a future time; but this time seemed inopportune.
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
Here again observe, 1. How respectfully this great apostle speaks of Apollos, an inferior minister in the church of Corinth, Our brother Apollos. Nothing better becomes the governors and pastors of the church than humility and condescension, sincere love and affection, a due deference and regard towards those who are under-labourers in our Lord’s vineyard, to own and treat them as brethren, co-workers and fellow-helpers with them. God has not made his ministers lions to tear one another, nor bulls to gore each other; but shepherds to watch over, and nurses to cherish, one another: Our brother Apollos.
Observe, 2. How St. Paul, though a dignified person, a great apostle, left Apollos, an inferior minister of the gospel, to judge for himself, whether he had best go to Corinth, or forbear: I desired him to come to you, but his will was not to come. He did not suspend him, or silence him, for not obeying the voice of an apostle: but lets him take his choice.
There may be, and sometimes are, particular cases and circumstances relating to ourselves and our people, (as about going from them, or continuing with them,) which none can adjust and determine as well as ourselves. Perhaps Apollos here had greater and stronger reasons for his refusing, than St. Paul had for his requesting him, to go to Corinth: however, the great apostle only desired him to go, not censuring him for his denial, but leaving him to the determination of himself, whose will was not at all to come to them at that time.
Observe, 3. What might probably be the reason why Apollos had no inclination to go to Corinth at this time; no, not at the solicitation of St. Paul himself. Perhaps it was because he would not encourage or give the least countenance to a faction which was there begun under the authority of his name, 1Co 1:12.
Some said, I am of Apollos. A pious and prudent minister of Jesus Christ seeks not his own applause, or his people’s admiration; but what he does is with a special respect to their edification in holiness, for preserving unity, and promoting love among each other.
Afterwards, when St. Paul had by his epistle allayed those heats, and healed those divisions which prevailed amongst them, we find Apollos did return to Corinth, and was no doubt very acceptable to them, and serviceable among them.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren [with Titus, etc.]: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity [Apollos first comes to our notice at Ephesus (Act 18:24-28) whence he went to Corinth just before Paul came to Ephesus (Act 19:1). From Corinth Apollos returned to and was now at Ephesus. The old Latin commentators say that he left Corinth on account of the violence of the factions, and now declined to return because of them, but it is not likely that they knew anything more about the facts than we do. Jerome tells us that after the factious spirit subsided, Apollos returned to Corinth, and became bishop or elder of the church; but he gives us no authority for his statement. Paul’s words are important, because they show that neither he nor Apollos gave any countenance or encouragement to the factions. Paul has no fear that Apollos will do wrong intentionally, yet Apollos fears that he may do wrong by his presence unintentionally. It did not seem to Apollos that it was a fit season for him to show himself in Corinth.]
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
12. Here he states that he had exhorted Apollos to come to them, but it does not now suit his convenience, hence he postpones his visit. Apollos was much esteemed and commended by Paul, like himself, an apostle born out of due time.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
This verse may contain Paul’s final response to the questions the Corinthians had asked him. It is the sixth instance of that key phrase peri de ("Now concerning"). Paul’s relations with eloquent Apollos were perfectly friendly, as this verse reveals (cf. 1Co 1:12). We do not know why Apollos did not want to revisit Corinth with Timothy or whether he ever did visit that city again.