Now if Timothy comes, see that he may be with you without fear: for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do.
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Ambrosiaster
AD 400
Although Timothy was preaching what he had learned from Paul and was a gifted evangelist, the apostle commends him since he did not have the same authority. Paul was afraid that Timothy might not be received as he deserved by dissidents in the church, that they would create a fuss, that Timothy would be afraid and that his coming would do nothing for their salvation. Commentary on Paul’s Epistles.
It might be thought that this is some criticism of Timothy’s selfconfidence, but Paul says this for the sake of the Corinthians, because if they turn against him they will only hurt themselves.
Perhaps some one may think there is something unworthy of Timothy's courage in this piece of advice. But not on Timothy's account is this said, but for the hearers' sake: lest by their design against him they should hurt themselves: since he for his part had his station always in the way of dangers.
For as a child serves a father, says he, so he served with me in furtherance of the Gospel. Philippians 2:22 But lest from boldness towards the disciple they should proceed also to the teacher, and become worse, he checks them from afar off, saying, that he may be with you without fear; that is, that none of those desperate persons rise up against him. For he intended perhaps to rebuke them about the things concerning which Paul also had written: and indeed Paul professed to send him for this very reason. For I have sent Timothy unto you, says he, 1 Corinthians 4:17 who shall put you in remembrance of my ways in Christ even as I teach every where in every Church. In order then that they mi...
