I Corinthians 16:12

Apollos, I greatly desired . . . to come unto you--He says this lest they should suspect that he from jealousy prevented Apollos' coming to them; perhaps they had expressly requested Apollos to be sent to them. Apollos was not at Ephesus when Paul wrote (compare Co1 16:19, and Co1 1:1). Probably Apollos' unwillingness to go to Corinth at this time was because, being aware of the undue admiration of his rhetorical style which led astray many at Corinth, he did not wish to sanction it (Co1 1:12; Co1 3:4). Paul's noble freedom from all selfish jealousy led him to urge Apollos to go; and, on the other hand, Apollos, having heard of the abuse of his name at Corinth to party purposes, perseveringly refused to go. Paul, of course, could not state in his letter particularly these reasons in the existing state of division prevalent there. He calls Apollos "brother" to mark the unity that was between the two. with the brethren--who bear this letter (Co1 16:17). (See Co1 16:24, subscription added to the Epistle). CONYBEARE thinks Titus was one of the bearers of this first letter (Co2 8:6, Co2 8:16-24; Co2 12:18). ALFORD thinks "the brethren" here may be the same as in Co1 16:11. convenient time--Apollos did return to Corinth when their divisions were moderated [JEROME], and so it was a more seasonable time.

In this chapter the apostle, I. Gives directions about some charitable collection to be made in this church, for the afflicted and impoverished churches in Judea (Co1 16:1-4). II. He talks of paying them a visit (Co1 16:5-9). III. He recommends Timothy to them, and tells them Apollos intended to come to them (Co1 16:10-12). IV. He presses them to watchfulness, constancy, charity, and to pay a due regard to all who helped him and his fellow-labourers in their work (Co1 16:13-19). V. After salutations from others, and his own, he closes the epistle with a solemn admonition to them, and his good wishes for them (Co1 16:20 to the end).