What does it mean to "send him on his way in peace"? Setting the Scene 1 Corinthians 16:10-11: “Now if Timothy comes, see that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. No one, then, should despise him. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.” What “Send Him on His Way in Peace” Means •Welcome and honor Timothy so he feels safe and respected. •Provide practical help—food, lodging, travel funds, letters of commendation. •Offer spiritual support—prayers, words of encouragement, affirmation of his calling. •Release him without conflict or delay; do not burden him with disputes or extra tasks. •Ensure he departs with a sense of wholeness, unity, and God’s blessing resting on him. Word Focus: “Peace” (Greek eirēnē) •More than absence of conflict; conveys wholeness, well-being, harmony with God and others. •Luke 7:50; Ephesians 2:14—peace flows from Christ and characterizes His people’s relationships. Other Biblical Parallels •Acts 15:33: “they were sent off by the brothers in peace.” •3 John 6-8: “You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” •Romans 15:24: Paul anticipates believers “helping” him on his journey. •Titus 3:13: “Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way, so that they will lack nothing.” Why It Matters to the Church •Supporting itinerant workers spreads the gospel farther than any one local body can reach. •How believers treat servants of Christ reflects their honor for Christ Himself (Matthew 10:40-42). •Unity and generosity guard against jealousy or rivalry; they showcase the gospel’s transforming power. Practical Takeaways Today •Show hospitality: open homes, provide meals, cover travel costs for missionaries and guest teachers. •Cultivate a culture of respect for those laboring in the Word, whether young like Timothy or seasoned. •Encourage workers verbally—notes, texts, or public affirmations that highlight God’s grace in them. •Avoid loading visitors with local controversies; free them to pursue the assignment God has for them. •Let departures be marked by thankful farewells, prayerful send-offs, and expectation of future fellowship. Closing Snapshot To “send him on his way in peace” is to release a servant of God with material provision, spiritual encouragement, and relational harmony, so he goes forward strengthened and unburdened for the mission Christ has placed before him. |
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