After I go through MacedoniaPaul's mention of Macedonia indicates his travel plans, which were part of his third missionary journey. Macedonia was a significant region in the Roman Empire, encompassing cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. These cities were key locations for early Christian communities, as seen in
Acts 16-17. Paul's travels through Macedonia were strategic for strengthening the churches he had previously established and for collecting financial support for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem (2 Corinthians 8-9). This reflects the interconnectedness of the early church and the importance of mutual support among believers.
however, I will come to you
Paul expresses his intention to visit the Corinthian church, demonstrating his pastoral care and desire for personal interaction. The use of "however" suggests a change or addition to his plans, indicating flexibility and responsiveness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. This visit was crucial for addressing issues within the Corinthian church, as detailed in the earlier chapters of 1 Corinthians, such as divisions, immorality, and questions about spiritual gifts. Paul's personal presence was meant to provide guidance, correction, and encouragement, reinforcing his teachings and authority as an apostle.
for I will be going through Macedonia
Reiterating his travel route emphasizes Paul's commitment to his mission and the importance of Macedonia in his ministry. This journey through Macedonia was not merely a logistical detail but part of a broader strategy to unify and strengthen the early church. It also highlights the challenges of travel in the ancient world, where journeys were long and fraught with danger. Paul's determination to visit Corinth despite these challenges underscores his dedication to the spiritual well-being of the believers there. This phrase also reflects the apostolic model of itinerant ministry, where leaders traveled to nurture and oversee the growth of the church across different regions.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to the Corinthians. He is planning his travel itinerary and expressing his desire to visit the Corinthian church.
2.
MacedoniaA region in Northern Greece that Paul plans to travel through. It was an important area for early Christian missionary work.
3.
CorinthA major city in Greece where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was known for its commerce and diverse population.
4.
The Corinthian ChurchThe recipients of Paul's letter, a community of believers in Corinth facing various challenges and issues.
5.
Paul's Missionary JourneyThe broader context of Paul's travels to spread the Gospel and strengthen the early Christian churches.
Teaching Points
Divine Guidance in PlanningPaul’s travel plans were not just logistical but were guided by the Holy Spirit. Believers should seek God’s guidance in their own plans and decisions.
Commitment to FellowshipPaul’s intention to visit the Corinthians shows his commitment to fellowship and personal connection with other believers. Christians should prioritize building and maintaining relationships within the church.
Flexibility in MinistryPaul’s willingness to adapt his plans demonstrates the importance of being flexible and responsive to God’s leading in ministry work.
The Importance of EncouragementBy planning to visit the Corinthians, Paul aimed to encourage and strengthen them. Believers are called to encourage one another in their faith journeys.
Strategic Mission WorkPaul’s travels through Macedonia and Corinth were strategic for spreading the Gospel. Christians should consider how they can strategically use their resources and opportunities for evangelism.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:5?
2.How does Paul's travel plan in 1 Corinthians 16:5 demonstrate trust in God?
3.What can we learn about planning from Paul's example in 1 Corinthians 16:5?
4.How does 1 Corinthians 16:5 connect with Proverbs 16:9 about making plans?
5.How can we apply Paul's flexibility in planning to our daily lives?
6.What role does seeking God's will play in decision-making, as seen in 1 Corinthians 16:5?
7.What does 1 Corinthians 16:5 reveal about Paul's travel plans and missionary strategy?
8.How does 1 Corinthians 16:5 reflect the early Christian community's interconnectedness?
9.What historical context influenced Paul's decision to visit Macedonia in 1 Corinthians 16:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Corinthians 16?
11.1 Corinthians 16:5–6 – Why do Paul’s stated travel plans seem to conflict with the timelines and routes suggested by Acts?
12.What does the Bible say about addiction?
13.Am I assured of my salvation?
14.Have you obeyed the Gospel of God?What Does 1 Corinthians 16:5 Mean
After I go through Macedonia• Paul lays out a deliberate itinerary, showing that ministry is planned as well as Spirit-led (Acts 19:21;Acts 20:1).
• Macedonia had already been on Paul’s heart since the vision in Troas (Acts 16:9-10); returning there demonstrates ongoing pastoral care (2 Corinthians 8:1 - 5).
• His wording signals confidence that the Lord will open the way, echoing earlier statements of intent “if the Lord wills” (1 Corinthians 4:19; cf.James 4:15).
however, I will come to you• Though distance and previous tensions existed, Paul affirms his commitment to visit the Corinthian believers personally (2 Corinthians 1:15-16; 12:14).
• Presence matters: letters instruct, but face-to-face fellowship strengthens and corrects (Romans 1:11-12;1 Thessalonians 2:17).
• The promise underscores pastoral love that seeks restoration and growth, not mere correspondence (1 Corinthians 4:14-21).
for I will be going through Macedonia• Repeating the route stresses certainty and transparency; the church can prepare for his arrival and for the collection he will organize (2 Corinthians 8:6; 9:1-5).
• It hints at strategic stewardship—Macedonian generosity would inspire Corinth (2 Corinthians 8:1-2), then Corinth’s readiness would bless Jerusalem (Romans 15:25-26).
• The phrase also reminds readers that God’s work advances through real journeys, real places, real time—history unfolding exactly as Scripture records (Acts 20:2-3).
summaryPaul’s brief travel note reveals more than logistics. It models thoughtful planning under God’s direction, displays a shepherd’s resolve to meet his flock, and links multiple congregations in one unified mission.1 Corinthians 16:5 therefore assures the Corinthians of Paul’s reliable, loving oversight while quietly highlighting the orderly, purposeful advance of the gospel.
(5)
For I do pass through Macedonia.--A misrepresentation of these words gives rise to the incorrect statement that this Epistle was written at Philippi, which is to be found in the subscription at the end of this chapter in our English Bible. The Apostle does not here refer to where he is at the moment of writing, but to his intention regarding his journey. He had intended to go first to Corinth (see
2Corinthians 1:15-16), but he has altered that plan, and says that his intention now is to pass through Macedonia first, and then visit Corinth. Then he says, "For I
do pass through Macedonia." To this intention the Apostle adheres. (See
Introduction.)
Verse 5. -
When I shall pass throughMacedonia; rather,
when 1 have passed through Macedonia.For I do pass through Macedonia; rather,
for 1 mean to pass through Macedonia. We learn from
2 Corinthians 1:15, 16, that it had been St. Paul's intention to sail from Ephesus to Corinth, thence, after a brief stay, to proceed to Macedonia, and on his return to come again for a longer stay at Corinth on his way to Judaea. He had in an Epistle, now lost (see
1 Corinthians 5:9), announced to them this intention, he changed his plan because, in the present disgraceful state of disorganization into which the Church had fallen, he felt that he could not visit them without being compelled to exercise a severity which, he hoped, might be obviated by writing to them and delaying his intended visit. Nothing but his usual delicacy and desire to spare them prevented him from stating all this more fully (
2 Corinthians 1:23;
2 Corinthians 2:1). Mistaking the kindness of his purpose, the Corinthians accused him of levity. He defends himself from this charge in the Second Epistle, and he carried out the plan which he here announces (
2 Corinthians 2:13;
2 Corinthians 8:1;
2 Corinthians 9:2, 4;
2 Corinthians 12:14;
2 Corinthians 13:1).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
Afterὅταν(hotan)Conjunction
Strong's 3752:When, whenever. From hote and an; whenever; also causatively inasmuch as.I go throughδιέλθω(dielthō)Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1330:To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.Macedonia,Μακεδονίαν(Makedonian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3109:(Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece.however,δὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.I will comeἘλεύσομαι(Eleusomai)Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2064:To come, go.toπρὸς(pros)Preposition
Strong's 4314:To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.you;ὑμᾶς(hymas)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.forγὰρ(gar)Conjunction
Strong's 1063:For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.I will be going throughδιέρχομαι(dierchomai)Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1330:To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.Macedonia.Μακεδονίαν(Makedonian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3109:(Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece.
Links
1 Corinthians 16:5 NIV1 Corinthians 16:5 NLT1 Corinthians 16:5 ESV1 Corinthians 16:5 NASB1 Corinthians 16:5 KJV
1 Corinthians 16:5 BibleApps.com1 Corinthians 16:5 Biblia Paralela1 Corinthians 16:5 Chinese Bible1 Corinthians 16:5 French Bible1 Corinthians 16:5 Catholic Bible
NT Letters: 1 Corinthians 16:5 But I will come to you when (1 Cor. 1C iC 1Cor i cor icor) 
