What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:12? Now about our brother Apollos “Now about our brother Apollos” (1 Corinthians 16:12). • Paul speaks of Apollos as “our brother,” underscoring genuine family fellowship in Christ (cf. Matthew 12:50; Hebrews 2:11). • The reference reminds the Corinthians that teachers belong to the same household of faith and are not rivals (see 1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4–9). • The phrase “now about” signals Paul’s response to another issue the church had raised, just as he did with food offered to idols (1 Corinthians 8:1) and spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 12:1). I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers “I strongly urged him to go to you with the brothers.” • Paul’s urging shows pastoral initiative—he wants Apollos to revisit Corinth to strengthen them (compare Acts 18:27–28, where Apollos first ministered in Achaia). • “The brothers” likely refers to the delegation carrying this letter (1 Corinthians 16:17); Paul promotes team ministry, echoing Acts 15:40 and 2 Timothy 4:11. • The intensity of “strongly urged” communicates Paul’s deep concern that the Corinthians receive balanced teaching, countering any party spirit that had formed around Apollos’ earlier ministry (1 Corinthians 3:6). He was not at all inclined to go now “He was not at all inclined to go now.” • Apollos, a faithful servant (Titus 3:13), exercises responsible judgment; he discerns that an immediate visit could feed factionalism (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:11–13). • His refusal shows that even apostles and co-laborers do not dictate one another’s schedules; leaders operate under the Lord’s timing (James 4:13–15). • The phrase “not at all inclined” teaches believers to wait when conscience or circumstances caution against action, mirroring Acts 16:6–7 where Paul himself waited. But he will go when he has the opportunity “But he will go when he has the opportunity.” • Apollos remains willing; the door of ministry must first open (Revelation 3:7–8). • This patience models submission to God’s providence, much like Paul’s earlier plan to visit Rome “in God’s will” (Romans 15:30–32). • The assurance of a future visit reminds the Corinthians that God’s work continues even when schedules shift (Proverbs 16:9; Ecclesiastes 3:1). summary Paul reports that he urged Apollos to revisit Corinth, yet Apollos discerned that the timing was wrong and opted to wait for God-given opportunity. The verse illustrates Christ-centered unity among leaders, respect for individual guidance, and confidence in God’s sovereign timing—all lessons that still steer the church today. |
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