In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application
"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."
Spirit-led ministry leaves room for differing convictions among Christ's servants. Brotherhood does not require uniformity of decisions.
Disagree without resentment. The strongest ministry friendships allow for differing schedules and even differing strategies under the same Lord.
1 Corinthians 16:13
"Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong."
The next verse — brotherly freedom does not weaken doctrinal vigilance; both must be held together.
Acts 15:39
"The contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other."
Paul and Barnabas modeled a sharper version of the same brotherly freedom — and later reconciled.
Lord, give me grace to honor brothers who decide differently than I would, without losing the bond. Amen.
No — there is no rebuke. Paul simply reports the difference and trusts Apollos' conscience before the Lord.
Continue studying 1 Corinthians 16 verse by verse:
After · 1 Corinthians 16:13Exact verse
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
Theme: Spiritual Strength
After · 1 Corinthians 16:14Exact verse
Let all your things be done with charity.
Theme: Love as the Atmosphere of Everything
Nearest commentary in 1 Corinthians
Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 Corinthians 15:3-4Nearest chapter
For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.
Theme: Gospel Core
Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 Corinthians 15:4Nearest chapter
And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Theme: Christ's Sacrifice & Resurrection
Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 Corinthians 15:10Nearest chapter
But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.
Theme: Grace & Identity
Earlier · 1 ch back · 1 Corinthians 15:20Nearest chapter
But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.
Theme: Resurrection Hope
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Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.
Philemon was a wealthy Christian from Colossae whose runaway slave Onesimus met Paul in prison, was converted, and returned to Philemon with Paul's letter appealing for his freedom and brotherly treatment.
Read answerPriscilla was an early Christian leader who, with her husband Aquila, taught Apollos, hosted house churches, and risked her life for the apostle Paul.
Read answerPriscilla was a prominent early Christian woman who, with her husband Aquila, worked alongside Paul, instructed Apollos, and hosted churches in Corinth, Ephesus, and Rome.
Read answerAquila was a Jewish tentmaker from Pontus who, with his wife Priscilla, became Paul's close co-worker, instructed Apollos, and hosted house churches in multiple cities.
Read answerAlexander was a man who opposed the apostle Paul's ministry and did him much evil, leading to a stern warning in Paul's second letter to Timothy.
Read answerFor a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Meaning & Devotional
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
1 Corinthians 10:13 – Meaning & Devotional
"There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it."
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – Meaning & Devotional
"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."
Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:
Water from the Rock
Moses struck the rock at Horeb and water gushed out to give Israel drink.
Read the miracleThe Resurrection of Jesus
On the third day Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin, death, and the grave.
Read the miracleThe Passover — Firstborn Spared
The blood of a spotless lamb on the doorposts spared every Israelite firstborn the night Egypt's firstborn died.
Read the miraclePeter Released from Prison by an Angel
An angel of the Lord wakes Peter in prison, opens chains and gates, and leads him to freedom.
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