1 Corinthians 16:5-9 (WEL) Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I will pass through Macedonia. 6 It may be that I will stay, yes, even winter with you, so that you may further me on my journey wherever I will be going. 7 For I will not see you now in passing, but I expect to stay awhile with you, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and powerful opportunity [literally a door] has opened for me, yet there are many adversaries.
V5 Now I will come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I will pass through Macedonia.
He would be traveling from where he writes this letter (Ephesus).
(Holman Commentary) “Paul began this section with some reflections on his travel plans. He mentioned his hope that after going through Macedonia he would be able to come to the Corinthians. These were not immediate plans but more distant plans, since for the time being he planned to remain in Ephesus.
“As he mentioned in 1 Corinthians 4:18-21, Paul worried that he might meet with resistance during his visit to Corinth. He may have written 1 Corinthians in part to clear up the Corinthians’ problems before his arrival so his visit would not be tumultuous. Interpreters generally agree that Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus on the outbound leg of his third missionary journey, probably around A.D. 55 near the end of his stay in Ephesus.
“The Book of Acts reveals that Paul wanted to travel from Ephesus to Jerusalem after going through Macedonia and Achaia (Acts 19:21). Corinth was located in the Roman province of Achaia.”
V6 It may be that I will stay, yes, even winter with you, so that you may further me on my journey wherever I will be going.
He wanted to visit them to help grow in the faith, answer questions, deal with conflicts, and fellowship. Compare Hebrews 10:24-25). All of us can help others in the faith.
Paul is also asking for living expenses or provisions while with them. Previously, he had declined to ask.
V7 For I will not see you now in passing, but I expect to stay awhile with you, if the Lord permits.
This didn’t happen. Compare 2 Corinthians 1:15-21.
V8 But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost.
(NKJV Study Notes Full Color, 3rd Edition) “Paul had hoped to leave Ephesus soon to visit Corinth, perhaps even spending the winter with the Corinthians. Travel by sea during the winter was hazardous (see Acts 27:9–44). Paul eventually did make it to Corinth, but not according to the schedule he planned here.”
Principle: Make plans but be flexible, mindful of the weather and other circumstances. Secondly, don’t make firm promises, because only God can keep His promises perfectly. Say, “I hope to, I plan to” but always “If the Lord wills.” Paul does so in verse 6: “It may be,” and in verse 7: “if the Lord permits.”
V9 For a great and powerful opportunity [literally a door] has opened for me, yet there are many adversaries.
This is a door of opportunity. Evidently, many were open to hear and believe the Gospel. After they believe, there is much teaching to do concerning God, His character, His worldview, His lifestyle, His rules, church life, family life, social life, society, relationship with the government, employers, employees, etc.
The adversaries are those who reject the Gospel. See Acts 19:9, Acts 19:23-34.
We learn:
- Principles about making plans and making the most of opportunities.
- How to promise correctly.
Questions:
- How do you make plans and promises?
- Are you looking for opportunities to share and live the Gospel?