μετὰ τῶν ἀδελφῶν, i.e. those who took charge of this Epistle. See passages cited in the second note on 1Co 16:10, and 2Co 8:22-23; 2Co 9:3; 2Co 9:5. They were no doubt sent straight from Ephesus, and they might either find Timothy there, or he might reach Corinth after them. In either case he was to return with them.