Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:11

"let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren." — 1 Corinthians 16:11 (ASV)

The reference to Timothy’s coming must be connected with Ac 19:22, where Paul sent Timothy (and Erastus) into Macedonia. Therefore, at the time Paul wrote this, Timothy was traveling and was expected to arrive in Corinth (1 Corinthians 4:17). Because Paul remembered that the Corinthians had acted so harshly toward himself (4:1, 8–13), he was afraid that they would treat the timid Timothy (1 Timothy 4:12; 2 Timothy 1:7) coldly. Paul’s young helper, Timothy, had been with him for several years (Acts 16:1–3) and (as the Corinthians must have known) was doing effective work. When Timothy’s work for the Lord was finished at Corinth, Paul expected the Corinthians to send him back with all his needs supplied and with their blessing. The brothers coming back with Timothy may have included Erastus (Acts 19:22), who was a Corinthian believer (Romans 16:23).