1 Corinthians 16:10-11 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.
Paul was sending Timothy to Corinth to remind them of Paul’s teaching and way of life (see 1 Corinthians 4:17). This was a difficult assignment because of the problems in this church. Timothy would need to confront immorality, idolatry, division, and wrong theology. This could potentially make it difficult for Timothy to be accepted by the Corinthians. Paul is basically preparing the way for Timothy so that the Corinthian church will be more accepting and open. This is a form of personal reference. Paul connects Timothy’s ministry among the Corinthians as “the work of the Lord.” Timothy does not come with his own authority or even with that of Paul but of the Lord Jesus. This puts Timothy in a high level, implying that the Corinthians should listen and honor what he tells them. Basically, Paul aligns Timothy with his own ministry but even more so with the work of the Lord in the ongoing mission to reach the world.
Paul advocates for Timothy and wants the Corinthians to watch for him and give him respect. Paul does not expect Timothy to stay long but to return when the message has been delivered. Perhaps Paul is anticipating the divisive, selfish, and toxic condition of this church because he wants them to send Timothy along with peace. This implies that they should listen, change their ways, and follow Timothy’s directions. Paul hopes for the best in this situation and believes that the Corinthians have the ability to make the necessary changes to conform to his ways which are in imitation of Christ (see 11:1). There is no indication who the “brothers” are here who will return with Timothy. This shows how closely linked the early churches were, even though they were far apart and had many obstacles. Paul and his companions were keys to the unity among the early Christians.
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