Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:12

"But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all [his] will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity." — 1 Corinthians 16:12 (ASV)

The way Paul brings up the matter of Apollos—“Now about” (cf. introductory comment on 7:1–14:40)—suggests that the Corinthians had asked about him and had perhaps suggested that he visit them. The text implies that Apollos was working independently of Paul, for Paul could only strongly urge him to go. Apollos was apparently with Paul when the Corinthians made their inquiry, but because of the past tense of the verb “was willing,” when Paul actually wrote 1 Corinthians Apollos was apparently no longer with him.