1 CORINTHIANS CHAPTER 16.
Concluding Admonitions. 1 Corinthians 16, 1–24.
RPaul's proposed visit to Corinth: V. 5. Now I will come unto you when I shall pass through Macedonia; for I do pass through Macedonia. V. 6. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. V. 7. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
Paul's former plan seems to have been to go to Corinth first, and then to travel northward into Macedonia. He still had the intention of visiting them, but only after making a missionary journey through Macedonia, traveling over the entire region.
As a matter of fact, this evangelistic tour, as Paul indicates, occupied a large part of the summer and the autumn, for he penetrated beyond Macedonia, into Illyria, Rom. 15, 19, which brought him to Corinth not much before the winter.
If it was possible, if he could so arrange, Paul wanted to remain in Corinth the entire winter, remaining in the metropolis instead of touring the province, and expecting, in turn, to be accompanied by a delegation from them, that they may send him forward wheresoever he may go, probably, though not certainly, to Jerusalem.
Note how carefully the apostle expresses himself with regard to his plans, since they were entirely in God's hands, and how tactfully he addresses the Corinthians, to retain their good will and not to appear domineering: For I would not see you now, merely in passing; he felt that a flying visit would not be acceptable. He rather hoped to stay some length of time with them if the Lord would permit.
It is the language of a Christian that places everything into the hands of God at all times.