1 Corinthians 16:5,6

“But I will come to you, when I have gone through Macedonia.” The Ap. writes from Ephesus some time before Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8), probably before Easter (1 Corinthians 16:8; see note); he intends to traverse Macedonia on his way (διέρχομαι, repeated with emphasis, regularly denotes in the Acts an evangelistic tour : see Acts 13:6; Acts 16:6; Acts 20:25, etc.), completing the work of his mission, there so abruptly terminated (Acts 16 f.). This task will require considerable time (it occupied the months of summer and autumn, during which the Ap. penetrated beyond Mac. into Illyria; Romans 15:19), so that P. expects to see Cor [2631] not much before winter (1 Corinthians 16:6). He adds therefore in explanation, “For I am going through Macedonia (travelling over the region: pr [2632], of imminent purpose); but with you haply I will abide (καταμενῶ, as in Acts 1:13, signifies, by contrast to διέρχομαι, keeping to Cor. instead of touring through the province), or [even] spend the winter”. Paul will time his visit, if possible, so as to make his winter-quarters in Cor [2633]; in any case, when he arrives, he will give the Cor [2634] the full benefit of his presence. He did so stay for three months (Acts 20:3). For πρὸς, in converse with, see 1 Corinthians 16:7; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 1 Corinthians 2:3, and parls. τυχὸν (acc [2635] abs. of neut. ptp [2636]) = εἰ τύχοι (see parl [2637]) another of the cl [2638] idioms confined to this Ep.; it indicates the uncertainty of human plans, and is piously replaced by ἐὰν ὁ Κύρ. ἐπιτρέψῃ in 1 Corinthians 16:7. In this plan P. has a further aim, which he mentions to show his dependence on the Cor [2639] : “in order that you may send me forward, wheresoever I may go” i.e. probably, though not certainly, to Jerus. (1 Corinthians 16:4); cf. 1 Corinthians 16:11; 2 Corinthians 1:16; Romans 15:24. It would help P., whose infirmities required friendly attentions, to have a good “send-off” on his leaving Europe. A generous “collection for the saints” would be a welcome lift (1 Corinthians 16:1; 1 Corinthians 16:4).

[2631] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2632] present tense.

[2633] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2634] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2635] accusative case.

[2636] participle

[2637] parallel.

[2638] classical.

[2639] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.