King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:12 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:12 in the King James Version says “As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all t... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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.

1 Corinthians 16:12 · KJV


Context

10

Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do.

11

Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.

12

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.

13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14

Let all your things be done with charity.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you—Apollos, the eloquent Alexandrian preacher (Acts 18:24-28), had worked in Corinth and became a focal point for one faction (1 Corinthians 1:12, 3:4-6). Despite the Apollos party's divisiveness, Paul warmly calls him our brother (adelphos, ἀδελφός), rejecting any personal rivalry. Paul strongly encouraged (polla parekalesa, πολλὰ παρεκάλεσα, "I greatly urged") Apollos to return to Corinth.

But his will was not at all to come at this timeOu pantes ēn thelēma (οὐ πάντως ἦν θέλημα, literally "it was by no means the will") is ambiguous—either Apollos's will or God's will. Most translations favor Apollos's personal decision. His refusal to return suggests wisdom; his presence might inflame factions rather than heal them. But he will come when he shall have convenient timeEukairēō (εὐκαιρέω, "have opportunity, be convenient") indicates Apollos remained willing but awaited better timing.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Apollos, an Alexandrian Jew trained in Philonic allegorical exegesis and rhetorically gifted, had been instructed more perfectly by Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:26). Though some Corinthians preferred him over Paul, no evidence suggests Apollos encouraged this faction. His refusal to return to Corinth demonstrates maturity and unwillingness to be used divisively. Later tradition says he became bishop of Corinth.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's warm commendation of Apollos despite the Apollos faction teach about handling ministry rivalries?
  2. Why might Apollos wisely refuse to return to Corinth even though Paul urged him to go?
  3. How do you know when your presence in a situation will help versus inflame existing tensions?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 27 words
Περὶ1 of 27

touching

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

δὲ2 of 27

As

G1161

but, and, etc

Ἀπολλῶ3 of 27

Apollos

G625

apollos, an israelite

τοῦ4 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφῶν·5 of 27

our brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

πολλὰ6 of 27

greatly

G4183

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

παρεκάλεσα7 of 27

I

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

αὐτὸν8 of 27

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἵνα9 of 27

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

ἐλεύσεται10 of 27

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

πρὸς11 of 27

unto

G4314

a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,

ὑμᾶς12 of 27

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

μετὰ13 of 27

with

G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τῶν14 of 27
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφῶν·15 of 27

our brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

καὶ16 of 27

but

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πάντως17 of 27

at all

G3843

entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event

οὐκ18 of 27

not

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἦν19 of 27

was

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

θέλημα20 of 27

his will

G2307

a determination (properly, the thing), i.e., (actively) choice (specially, purpose, decree; abstractly, volition) or (passively) inclination

ἵνα21 of 27

to

G2443

in order that (denoting the purpose or the result)

νῦν22 of 27

at this

G3568

"now" (as adverb of date, a transition or emphasis); also as noun or adjective present or immediate

ἐλεύσεται23 of 27

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

ἐλεύσεται24 of 27

come

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

δὲ25 of 27

As

G1161

but, and, etc

ὅταν26 of 27

when

G3752

whenever (implying hypothesis or more or less uncertainty); also causatively (conjunctionally) inasmuch as

εὐκαιρήσῃ27 of 27

he shall have convenient time

G2119

to have good time, i.e., opportunity or leisure


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 16:12 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 16:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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