What does 1 Corinthians 16:12 mean?
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. 1 Corinthians 16:12
Explanation
1 Corinthians 16:12 refers to the Apostle Paul discussing his fellow worker Apollos and his interactions with the Corinthians. In this verse, Paul expresses that he greatly desired for Apollos to visit the Corinthian believers. However, Apollos himself was not inclined to visit “at this time.” Paul indicates that while Apollos’s visit is delayed, it is not cancelled—he “will come when he shall have convenient time.” This suggests that Apollos’s comings and goings are determined by his own will and circumstances. It highlights the autonomy of Apollos in his ministry decisions and also suggests a respectful relationship between Paul and Apollos, as Paul does not impose his will upon his colleague.
Historical Context
The book of 1 Corinthians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the church of Corinth, which he had founded (Acts 18). This letter dates around 54-55 A.D. Apollos is a Jewish Christian mentioned in the Bible who was an eloquent speaker and had a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures (Acts 18:24). At this period, the early church was not as structured as it is today, and Christian leaders traveled to various regions to teach and encourage the local congregations. These travels were often challenging due to the modes and speed of transportation, political climates, and communication limitations of the era.
Theological Insights
From a theological perspective, this verse can demonstrate the humanity and independence of early church leaders. They had personal choices and were not constantly driven by divine compulsion. Some commentators emphasize the notion of Christian liberty, where Apollos is acting out of his free will in the service of God. Furthermore, this verse might suggest the understanding of God’s timing in Christian service; even though Paul desired Apollos’s visit, it was understood that it should happen at the right time according to God’s providence.
Practical Applications
In daily life, 1 Corinthians 16:12 teaches that Christian service is not merely about obligation but also involves personal discernment and timing. It reminds believers to be considerate of each other’s commitments and decisions in ministry. It also emphasizes the importance of seeking the right time for every action, implying that delays are not necessarily denials but can be part of a larger divine plan.
Cross-References
- Acts 18:27-28: “And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, shewing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:5-6: “Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
Language Study
The key words in the original Greek are “polu” (πολύ) which means ‘greatly’, “ethelēsen” (ἠθέλησεν) which means ‘he willed’ or ‘he desired’, and “kairon” (καιρόν) meaning ‘time’ or ‘opportunity’. By examining the original language, one can see that the desire is strong (“greatly desired”), but Apollos’s will or personal decision is emphasized over this desire, confirming the voluntary nature of his service.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In other ancient cultures and religions, religious figures or leaders were often seen as envoys of the gods with little personal autonomy. Their duties were seen as divinely mandated and subject to the will of their deity. In contrast, Christianity, as suggested by this verse, emphasizes personal volition and the collaboration of human plans with divine providence.
Scientific Perspectives
While there are no direct scientific applications to this specific verse, one could reflect on the nature of decision-making and the understanding of time from a biopsychosocial perspective. The acknowledgment of “convenient time” can be seen as an awareness of the human need to align actions with personal well-being, social circumstances, and environmental factors—a concept aligned with modern understandings of stress management and decision-making processes.
Commentaries
Commentaries offer a range of interpretations for 1 Corinthians 16:12. John Chrysostom, an early Church Father, suggested that Paul mentioned Apollos’s absence to indicate that there was no rivalry between him and Apollos. Modern commentators like Gordon D. Fee may emphasize the respect Paul has for Apollos’s individual ministry and decisions. Others might highlight that this mention of Apollos shows the interconnectedness of the early Christian leaders and the extensive network that was already in place for the spread of the Gospel.
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