1 Corinthians 16:5-9·~1 min

Paul’s Travel Plans

Paul says that after passing through Macedonia he plans to come to Corinth and perhaps stay for a while, even through the winter, so they may help him on his next journey. He does not want to see them merely in passing, but hopes to spend real time with them if the Lord allows, though for now he will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost because an effective door is open there even amid many opponents.

A⁵fter I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. ⁶Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. ⁷For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ⁸But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, ⁹because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

Section summaryPaul shares his intended route through Macedonia and his hope of staying longer with the Corinthians rather than only passing by. At the same time he remains in Ephesus for now, because there is a wide-open field of effective work there despite strong opposition.

Role in the chapterThis section brings pastoral desire and missionary opportunity into the same frame. It shows Paul's plans governed not only by affection for Corinth but also by the opportunities and resistances shaping the gospel's work.