1 Corinthians 16:12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
Paul gives another closing message to the Corinthians and explains why Apollos had to come for a visit. Paul has mentioned Apollos in this letter seven times (1:12; 3:4, 5, 6, 22; 4:6). Evidently, the Corinthians knew him well. Acts 18:24 states that he was a learned man from Alexandria, Egypt. He could speak well and knew the Scriptures. In today’s terms, we might call him a scholar. Acts 19:1 states that he had spent some time in Corinth. This reference may be after this letter was written, since Paul was at Ephesus at the time of writing. Apollos may have gone to Corinth after Paul wrote this letter. Paul encouraged Apollos to visit the Corinthians with the other brothers. It is not clear who these brothers are, but they could include Timothy. Apollos had quite a bit of influence in this church since some people claimed him as their authority: “I follow Apollos” (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:4). By returning to Corinth, he could add to what Paul has written and this would bring more positive change in the church. Paul and Apollos were partners in the gospel and complemented each other’s ministries. “Apollos watered” (3:6) implies that he gifted in teaching and helping confirm the faith of the new converts in Corinth. Possibly he was able to explain the Scriptures to them and help them grow in their understanding of the gospel. Something was keeping him from returning. Paul does not indicate what this was, but it sounds as if Apollos is busy with another ministry, possibly in Ephesus. He was well known there and had spent time there both learning and teaching (see Acts 18:24).
These verses give us clues about this servant of the Lord, his motivations and goals, and his willingness to be used by the Lord in ministry. He could not be everywhere all the time. He had to make decisions based on priorities and opportunities. These are helpful lessons for us as well as we seek to make use of our time and energy in the most fruitful way.
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