1 Corinthians 16:12
What does 1 Corinthians 16:12 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:12 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Corinthians 16:12 means
Paul strongly urged Apollos to visit Corinth with the brethren, but Apollos was not willing to come at that time; he will come when he has an opportunity. This brief note is significant: it shows mutual respect and freedom among leaders. Paul does not command Apollos, and Apollos’s decision is not treated as disloyalty. Corinth, once divided over personalities, must see that Paul and Apollos are not rivals. Ministry timing can vary without breaking unity. Apollos’s eventual visit remains open, but it will be governed by wise opportunity, not pressure or party spirit.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
KJV
King James Version · 1611As 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But as for Apollos, the brother, I had a great desire for him to come to you with the brothers, but it was not his pleasure to come now; but he will come when he has a chance.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and concerning Apollos our brother, much I did entreat him that he may come unto you with the brethren, and it was not at all <FI>his<Fi> will that he may come now, and he will come when he may find convenient.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And touching our brother Apollo, I give you to understand that I much entreated him to come unto you with the brethren: and indeed it was not his will at all to come at this time. But he will come when he shall have leisure.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Now concerning the brother Apollos, I begged him much that he would go to you with the brethren; but it was not at all [his] will to go now; but he will come when he shall have good opportunity.
Context
Following directions about Timothy’s reception (vv.10–11), Paul addresses Apollos to defuse any lingering partisan sentiment in Corinth. The leaders cooperate without controlling one another. The mention prepares the church to welcome Apollos later while also heeding Paul’s coming exhortations in verses 13–14. These exhortations will call for vigilance, steadfast faith, strength, and love—virtues that counter the contentious spirit that once elevated certain teachers over others.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 3:5
What then is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and each as the Lord gave to him.
- Ecclesiastes 3:1
For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:
- Acts 24:25
And as he reasoned of righteousness, and self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was terrified, and answered, Go thy way for this time; and when I have a convenient season, I will call thee unto me.
- Acts 18:24
Now a certain Jew named Apollos, an Alexandrian by race, an eloquent man, came to Ephesus; and he was mighty in the scriptures.
- 1 Corinthians 1:12
Now this I mean, that each one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ.
- Mark 6:21
And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, and the high captains, and the chief men of Galilee;
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