1 Corinthians 16:10,11 – What truly counts

Now if Timothy should be coming, look to it that he should be with you fearlessly, for he is working at the work of the Lord, as I also. No one then, should be scorning him. Now send him forward in peace, that he may be coming to me, for I am awaiting him with the brethren.

While Paul would remain in Ephesus until Pentecost (: 8), he had sent Timothy (4:17) to go through Macedonia to Corinth (Acts 19:22). The letter was expected to arrive in Corinth before Timothy, and hence Paul gives instructions on how to receive Timothy.

When about three years before the writing of this letter, the ecclesia in Corinth came into existence, the younger Timothy was directly involved (Acts 18: 5). So he was well known there, although Paul was responsible for the preaching. Now that Timothy would first visit Corinth alone (without Paul), it was undoubtedly very exciting for him. Hence, Paul binds the Corinthians at heart to receive him with esteem. As if it were Paul himself. After all, Timothy, like Paul, did the work of the Lord. He passed on the word of GOD completely reliably, and that is what counts. Not the years in age.

Delen: