1 Corinthians 16:4

KJV

And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} if {G1437} it be {G5600} meet {G514} that I go {G4198} also {G2504}, they shall go {G4198} with {G4862} me {G1698}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If it seems appropriate that I go too, they will go along with me.

Berean Standard Bible

And if it is advisable for me to go also, they can travel with me.

American Standard Version

and if it be meet for me to go also, they shall go with me.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 16:4, Paul outlines his conditional involvement in the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, stating that if the offering is substantial enough to warrant it, he would accompany the delegates chosen by the Corinthian church. This verse underscores Paul's commitment to financial integrity, his personal dedication to the unity of the church, and the significant spiritual weight he placed on this act of mutual support between Gentile and Jewish believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse concludes Paul's detailed instructions regarding the collection for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem, which begins in [1 Corinthians 16:1](/1_corinthians/16-1 "1 Corinthians 16:1 - Collection for the Saints"). Paul had previously established a systematic approach for this offering, urging each believer to set aside funds "on the first day of the week" ([1 Corinthians 16:2](/1_corinthians/16-2 "1 Corinthians 16:2 - Regular Giving")). He then specified that the Corinthians themselves should choose trustworthy delegates to carry the collected gift, along with letters of commendation ([1 Corinthians 16:3](/1_corinthians/16-3 "1 Corinthians 16:3 - Delegates for the Offering")). Verse 4 acts as a concluding conditional clause, clarifying Paul's personal role: his participation in the journey would depend on the perceived necessity or significance of the collection. This demonstrates his meticulous planning and his desire for the offering to be handled with utmost transparency and honor, reflecting the principles of good stewardship evident throughout his epistles, particularly in his later appeals for the same collection in [2 Corinthians 8-9](/2_corinthians/8 "2 Corinthians 8-9 - The Collection for Jerusalem").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The collection for Jerusalem was a highly significant undertaking for Paul, serving multiple purposes beyond mere financial aid. The church in Jerusalem, often facing economic hardship and persecution, was in great need, and this offering from the predominantly Gentile churches exemplified practical Christian love and solidarity. In the ancient world, the transportation of large sums of money was fraught with danger, making accountability crucial. Paul's offer to accompany the delegates, if "meet," was not a casual suggestion but a serious commitment to ensure the integrity of the process and to mitigate any potential accusations of impropriety, a concern he explicitly addresses in [2 Corinthians 8:20-21](/2_corinthians/8-20-21 "2 Corinthians 8:20-21 - Paul's Financial Diligence"). Furthermore, this collection was a powerful symbol of unity, bridging the divide between Jewish and Gentile believers and affirming their shared identity in Christ, a theme central to Paul's ministry (cf. [Ephesians 2:11-22](/ephesians/2-11-22 "Ephesians 2:11-22 - One New Humanity in Christ")).
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. First, it highlights **Accountability and Transparency** in financial matters, a principle Paul consistently modeled and taught. His willingness to personally oversee the delivery of the funds, if circumstances called for it, underscored the importance of handling sacred trusts with integrity and avoiding any appearance of impropriety (cf. [2 Corinthians 8:20](/2_corinthians/8-20 "2 Corinthians 8:20 - Paul's Care for Honesty")). Second, it exemplifies **Committed and Self-Sacrificial Leadership**. Paul, despite his demanding apostolic duties and extensive travel plans (as hinted at in [1 Corinthians 16:5-9](/1_corinthians/16-5-9 "1 Corinthians 16:5-9 - Paul's Travel Plans")), was prepared to undertake an additional journey for the sake of the church's welfare and unity. This demonstrates a leader willing to go the extra mile for the good of the body of Christ. Finally, the conditional nature of his involvement ("if it be meet") suggests the **Significance and Weight of the Offering**. It implies that the collection was not a trivial matter but an act of profound spiritual and communal importance, deserving of the highest level of care and oversight, reflecting the deep value Paul placed on acts of generosity and mutual support within the Christian community (cf. [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - The Gentile Contribution to Jerusalem")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **meet (Greek, _áxios'_):** From G514, meaning "deserving, comparable or suitable (as if drawing praise)." This word implies not merely convenience or personal preference, but what is appropriate, fitting, or worthy given the circumstances. Paul's decision to go would be based on whether the collection's size or significance warranted his apostolic presence, emphasizing the dignity and weight of the contribution and the task of its delivery.
* **go (Greek, _poreúomai'_):** From G4198, meaning "to traverse, i.e. travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)." This verb signifies movement, a journey, or a departure. In this context, it refers to Paul's physical travel to Jerusalem alongside the chosen delegates, underscoring his willingness to undertake a significant journey for the sake of the collection's integrity and the unity it represented.
* **with (Greek, _sýn'_):** From G4862, a primary preposition denoting union; "with or together (but much closer than μετά or παρά), i.e. by association, companionship, process, resemblance, possession, instrumentality, addition, etc." This word highlights Paul's desire for close association and companionship with the delegates, emphasizing shared responsibility and collective oversight in the handling of the sacred funds. It implies a deeper level of unity and collaboration than a mere parallel journey.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if it be meet that I go also":** This clause sets up a condition for Paul's involvement. The conjunction "And" (G1161, _dé_) connects this statement to the preceding instructions, indicating a continuation of the discussion on the collection. "If" (G1437, _eán_) introduces the conditional element, suggesting uncertainty or a hypothetical scenario. The core of the condition lies in "it be meet" (G5600, _ō_ + G514, _áxios_), meaning "if it is fitting," "if it is worthy," or "if circumstances make it appropriate." This implies that Paul's decision to join the journey is not arbitrary but contingent upon the scale or importance of the collection, or the perceived need for his apostolic presence to ensure its proper delivery and reception. The inclusion of "I go also" (G2504, _kagṓ_) emphasizes his potential personal involvement in addition to the delegates.
* **"they shall go with me":** This clause states the consequence of the condition being met. If it is deemed "meet" for Paul to go, then the delegates chosen by the Corinthians ("they") will travel "with me" (G4862, _sýn_ + G1698, _emoí_). The preposition "with" (G4862, _sýn_) denotes a close companionship and shared journey, reinforcing the idea of collective responsibility and mutual accountability in the transportation of the offering. It signifies a unified effort, with Paul lending his apostolic authority and oversight to the process.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs a **Conditional Clause**, introduced by "if it be meet," which sets a specific contingency for Paul's action. This device highlights Paul's **Practicality** and strategic thinking, as his involvement is not a default but a measured response to the needs and significance of the situation. There is also an element of **Emphasis** through Paul's willingness to personally participate ("I go also"), underscoring the importance he placed on the collection and its transparent delivery. This willingness to go the extra mile, despite his busy schedule, serves as a form of **Ethos**, building trust and demonstrating his integrity and commitment to the Corinthian church and the broader body of Christ.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly simple verse offers profound theological insights into Christian stewardship, leadership, and the unity of the church. Paul's conditional offer to accompany the delegates reveals his deep commitment to integrity and accountability in handling God's resources, setting a high standard for all who manage sacred trusts. It also underscores the spiritual significance of financial giving as an act of worship and solidarity, fostering practical love between diverse communities within the body of Christ. Paul's willingness to undertake a potentially arduous journey for this purpose exemplifies true pastoral care and a dedication to the well-being and reputation of the church.

* [2 Corinthians 8:20-21](/2_corinthians/8-20-21 "Paul's Diligence in Financial Matters")
* [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "The Gentile Contribution to Jerusalem")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3-4 "Humility and Looking to Others' Interests")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 16:4 provides timeless principles for believers and church leaders today. It challenges us to approach financial stewardship with the utmost integrity and transparency, ensuring that all resources designated for God's work are handled honorably and above reproach. Leaders are called to model this commitment, demonstrating a willingness to go the extra mile to ensure accountability and to protect the reputation of the ministry. Furthermore, the verse reminds us of the profound spiritual value of mutual support within the global body of Christ. Our giving, whether financial or through devoted service, is not merely a transaction but an act of love that strengthens communal bonds, alleviates suffering, and demonstrates the unity of believers across geographical and cultural divides. It encourages us to consider how our contributions, however small, can be part of a larger, significant effort to advance God's kingdom and care for His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's example of conditional involvement challenge my own approach to financial stewardship and accountability in ministry or personal life?**
* **In what ways can I, or my church, better demonstrate transparency and integrity in handling resources, following Paul's meticulous example?**
* **What does Paul's willingness to travel for this collection teach me about the importance of committed, self-sacrificial service for the unity and well-being of the broader Christian community?**
* **How can my acts of giving or service contribute to building stronger bonds of unity and mutual support within the global body of Christ?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul's personal involvement in the collection important, and what does "meet" signify?**

Answer: Paul's personal involvement, though conditional, was highly significant for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated his commitment to the integrity and transparent delivery of the substantial offering collected from the Gentile churches for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. In an era without modern banking, transporting large sums of money was risky, and Paul wanted to ensure there was no room for suspicion or accusation of mishandling funds ([2 Corinthians 8:20-21](/2_corinthians/8-20-21 "2 Corinthians 8:20-21 - Paul's Financial Diligence")). Secondly, his presence would lend apostolic authority and endorsement to the collection, affirming its spiritual importance and the unity it symbolized between Jewish and Gentile believers. The word "meet" (Greek _áxios_) signifies "worthy," "fitting," or "appropriate." It implies that Paul's decision to go would not be based on mere convenience but on whether the size or significance of the collection, or the circumstances surrounding its delivery, truly warranted his personal presence and oversight. It underscores the weight and dignity of the offering itself.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While 1 Corinthians 16:4 primarily details Paul's practical arrangements for a financial collection, it deeply resonates with Christ's own character and mission, offering a powerful reflection of His self-sacrificial love and commitment to His people. Paul's willingness to go, if "meet," for the sake of unity and integrity within the church, mirrors the ultimate condescension of Christ, who deemed it "meet" and necessary to leave His heavenly glory and "go" to earth to accomplish salvation. Just as Paul was willing to travel to ensure the proper delivery of a gift that fostered unity, Christ Himself is the ultimate gift, given by the Father, whose "going" to the cross ensures the reconciliation of all believers into one body ([Ephesians 2:16](/ephesians/2-16 "Ephesians 2:16 - Reconciliation through the Cross")). Paul's concern for accountability and transparency in handling resources finds its perfect embodiment in Christ, who is the faithful and true steward of all things, perfectly executing the Father's will ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Hebrews 3:1-6 - Christ's Superiority to Moses")). The collection itself, an act of mutual support and love between diverse groups of believers, foreshadows the spiritual unity achieved in Christ, where there is "neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus" ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ")). Thus, Paul's practical arrangements for the Corinthian collection subtly point to the greater, all-encompassing work of Christ, who, by His ultimate "going," made possible the spiritual and communal flourishing of His church.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 8:4

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Romans 15:25

But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

2 Corinthians 8:19

And not [that] only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and [declaration of] your ready mind: