1 Corinthians 16:11, Let Not Man Therefore Despise Him

1 Corinthians 16:11 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.

The Apostle Paul is speaking with foresight and seeks to calibrate with the church of Corinth concerning how God’s servant, Timothy, is to be treated. “To despise” is as treating someone as of no account despise, disdain, make light of,  making someone as of no account disregard, reject, despise. As such, he sought to ensure that God’s work progress unhindered and God’s servant be accorded due respect and honour for the work’s sake. Let there not be any conflict arising as a request of Timothy’s coming – conduct him forth in peace. 

And the Apostle Paul’s exhortation is this  2 Timothy 1:7-8 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God;  

He gave this exhortation to Titus in Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee. Both Timothy and Titus were in the gospel team together with the Apostle Paul. They co-laboured to advance God’s kingdom. Thank God for raising men to serve Him. Amen.