9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, see to it that he has nothing to fear while he is with you, for he is carrying on the work of the Lord, just as I am.
9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am.
9 A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
10 If Timothy shows up, take good care of him. Make him feel completely at home among you. He works so hard for the Master, just as I do.
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
10 Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear; for he does the work of the Lord, as I also do.
9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
10 When Timothy comes, don't intimidate him. He is doing the Lord's work, just as I am.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9-10
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-9)
The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, James 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:10-12
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:10-12)
Timothy came to do the work of the Lord. Therefore to vex his spirit, would be to grieve the Holy Spirit; to despise him, would be to despise Him that sent him. Those who work the work of the Lord, should be treated with tenderness and respect. Faithful ministers will not be jealous of each other. It becomes the ministers of the gospel to show concern for each other's reputation and usefulness.