1 Corinthians 16:11

No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Berean Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — Paul writes to the Corinthian church to address the upcoming visit of Timothy and the potential travel of Apollos. He issues a direct command regarding how the community should receive Timothy before his departure.

The words — The verb ἐξουθενήσῃ (exouthenēsē) literally means "may despise," while προπέμψατε (propempsate) means "equip for the journey" or "send on his way." Paul pairs a negative prohibition with a positive logistical command regarding Timothy's movement.

The thread — The prohibition against despising a fellow worker echoes the commands in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:15, while the instruction to send a messenger "in peace" parallels the practice recorded in Acts 15:33. These references show a consistent early church protocol for handling apostolic delegates.

Why it lands — The text demands that readers actively prevent contempt toward appointed workers and practically facilitate their safe passage. It requires concrete hospitality and logistical support rather than passive goodwill.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

King James Version

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

Cross-references

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.
Acts 15:33 After spending some time there, they were sent off by the brothers in peace to return to those who had sent them.
Titus 2:15 Speak these things as you encourage and rebuke with all authority. Let no one despise you.
1 Corinthians 16:6 Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
1 Corinthians 16:10 If Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, just as I am.
Luke 10:16 Whoever listens to you listens to Me; whoever rejects you rejects Me; and whoever rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me.”
1 Thessalonians 4:8 Anyone, then, who rejects this command does not reject man but God, the very One who gives you His Holy Spirit.
3 John 1:6 They have testified to the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.