How does 1 Corinthians 16:11 connect with Matthew 10:40-42? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians was written near the end of Paul’s three-year stay in Ephesus (Acts 20:31). As Paul prepares to send Timothy to Corinth, he urges the believers to receive him well: “Therefore let no one despise him. Send him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.” (1 Corinthians 16:11) Paul’s instruction echoes Jesus’ words to the Twelve in Matthew 10:40-42. By comparing the passages, we see how the Lord consistently links hospitality toward His servants with honor toward Himself. Jesus’ Promise to Those Who Receive His Messengers “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, truly I tell you, he will never lose his reward.” (Matthew 10:40-42) Threads That Tie the Passages Together • Same principle, different settings – Jesus speaks to the Twelve before their first preaching tour. – Paul applies the principle to a later generation—Timothy and the Corinthian church. • God-given authority – Timothy is “doing the Lord’s work” (1 Corinthians 16:10). – The Twelve carry Christ’s authority; receiving them equals receiving Christ (Matthew 10:40). • Honor vs. contempt – “Let no one despise him” (1 Corinthians 16:11). – Jesus warns that to ignore or mistreat His messengers is to disregard Him (Matthew 10:40). • Practical hospitality – “Send him on his way in peace” implies provision for travel. – “Even a cup of cold water” illustrates simple, tangible care. • Promise of reward – Matthew highlights specific rewards (vv. 41-42). – Paul expects mutual encouragement and fruitful ministry through Timothy’s safe return. Supporting Passages • 3 John 5-8—Gaius commended for supporting traveling brothers. • Hebrews 13:1-2—Believers urged to show hospitality; some have entertained angels unawares. • Romans 15:7—“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you.” • Philippians 2:29-30—Epaphroditus to be “received with joy” for risking his life for the gospel. Practical Takeaways for Today • Welcome God’s servants—missionaries, pastors, teachers—with respect, generosity, and prayerful support. • Recognize that aiding them is participation in God’s work and an act of worship toward Christ Himself. • Provide tangible help: meals, lodging, financial support, transportation, encouragement. • Guard against critical or dismissive attitudes; instead, honor the calling and authority God has placed on His messengers. • Trust the Lord’s promise: every act of kindness, even a cup of cold water, is noticed and rewarded by Him. Receiving and sending in peace is more than polite courtesy; it is obedience to Christ, a declaration that we value His gospel, and a channel through which God pours blessing on both the giver and the receiver. |
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