1 Corinthians 16:5

KJV

¶ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} I will come {G2064} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, when {G3752} I shall pass through {G1330} Macedonia {G3109}: for {G1063} I do pass through {G1330} Macedonia {G3109}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will visit you after I have gone through Macedonia, for I am intending to pass through Macedonia,

Berean Standard Bible

After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia.

American Standard Version

But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the concluding chapter of his first letter to the Corinthian church, the Apostle Paul outlines his immediate travel plans, indicating his intention to visit them after first passing through Macedonia. This declaration serves to inform the Corinthian believers of his anticipated arrival, providing a practical update on his itinerary while underscoring his pastoral commitment to their spiritual well-being and his strategic approach to missionary work.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** [1 Corinthians 16](/1-corinthians/16 "1 Corinthians 16 - Practical Matters and Paul's Plans") serves as the concluding chapter of Paul's comprehensive letter to the Corinthian church. Following extensive theological instruction, ethical admonitions, and answers to specific questions posed by the Corinthians, Paul shifts to practical matters. This includes instructions regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem ([1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1-corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - The Collection for the Saints")), updates on Timothy's potential visit ([1 Corinthians 16:10-11](/1-corinthians/16-10-11 "1 Corinthians 16:10-11 - Timothy's Mission")), and Apollos's plans ([1 Corinthians 16:12](/1-corinthians/16-12 "1 Corinthians 16:12 - Apollos's Plans")). Within this section, Paul's personal travel arrangements are crucial for the church to anticipate his arrival and prepare for his pastoral oversight, which was often a significant event for early Christian communities.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul is writing this letter from Ephesus, likely during the latter part of his three-year ministry there (cf. [Acts 19:8-10](/acts/19-8-10 "Acts 19:8-10 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")). Travel in the ancient world, particularly by land and sea, was arduous and subject to many variables like weather, banditry, and political stability. Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (where Corinth was located), contained several significant churches Paul had established, such as Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea. His plan to "pass through Macedonia" before reaching Corinth implies a strategic route, allowing him to visit and minister to these churches first. Apostolic visits were vital for the early church, providing direct teaching, pastoral correction, encouragement, and the strengthening of nascent congregations, making Paul's itinerary a matter of practical importance for the Corinthian believers.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several key themes within Paul's ministry and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Apostolic Planning and Strategic Ministry**. Paul's communication of his travel plans demonstrates a deliberate, though divinely guided, approach to his missionary endeavors, ensuring he attended to the needs of various churches in a logical sequence. Secondly, it underscores **Pastoral Commitment and Personal Presence**. Despite the numerous challenges and conflicts Paul addressed in this letter, his unwavering intention to visit Corinth in person reveals his deep pastoral heart and belief in the irreplaceable value of face-to-face interaction for effective spiritual oversight and strengthening the church. This commitment is further emphasized by his later defense of his travel plans in [2 Corinthians 1:15-17](/2-corinthians/1-15-17 "2 Corinthians 1:15-17 - Paul's integrity in travel plans"), where he clarifies his consistency and truthfulness. Lastly, the verse speaks to the importance of **Clear Communication and Trust-Building** within Christian relationships, as Paul explicitly states his intentions to set expectations and avoid misunderstandings.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Now (Greek, _dé'_):** This particle (G1161) serves as a continuative or adversative, often indicating a transition or a slight shift in thought. Here, it introduces Paul's personal plans after discussing the collection, signaling a new, yet related, topic of practical importance. It smoothly transitions the letter from general instructions to specific, personal updates.
* **come (Greek, _érchomai'_):** The verb (G2064) signifies "to come or go," indicating movement towards a destination. In this context, it expresses Paul's definite intention and future action of arriving at Corinth. The use of this verb emphasizes his personal presence as the culmination of his journey.
* **pass through (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** This compound verb (G1330), formed from *dia* (through) and *erchomai* (to come/go), literally means "to traverse" or "to go through." It clearly indicates that Macedonia is not his final destination but a region he will travel *through* on his way to Corinth, suggesting a planned journey that includes passage through, and likely ministry within, that region.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now I will come unto you,"**: This initial clause, introduced by the transitional particle "Now," clearly states Paul's firm intention to visit the Corinthian church. The future tense "will come" conveys a definite plan, setting the expectation for his arrival and emphasizing his personal commitment to them.
* **"when I shall pass through Macedonia:"**: This clause specifies the timing and the route of Paul's intended visit. He will not come directly to Corinth but will first undertake a journey through the region of Macedonia. This indicates a strategic itinerary, likely involving ministry and visits to the churches he had previously established there.
* **"for I do pass through Macedonia."**: The repetition of the phrase, introduced by "for" (G1063, *gar*, indicating a reason or explanation), serves to reinforce the certainty and necessity of this leg of his journey. It clarifies that his passage through Macedonia is not merely a possibility but a definite, planned part of his route, providing the reason or condition for his subsequent arrival in Corinth.

#### Literary Devices
The most prominent literary device in [1 Corinthians 16:5](/1-corinthians/16-5 "1 Corinthians 16:5 - Paul's Travel Plans") is **Repetition**. The phrase "I do pass through Macedonia" is stated twice, first as a condition ("when I shall pass through Macedonia") and then as a reinforcing explanation ("for I do pass through Macedonia"). This repetition serves to emphasize the certainty and definiteness of Paul's travel plans. It assures the Corinthians that his passage through Macedonia is a fixed part of his itinerary, thereby making his subsequent arrival in Corinth a firm commitment. This rhetorical strategy adds weight to his words, conveying a sense of resolve and transparency in his communication.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's communication of his travel plans, seemingly mundane, carries significant theological weight, underscoring the incarnational nature of apostolic ministry and the importance of personal presence in the life of the church. It reflects a theology of ministry that values direct engagement, pastoral oversight, and the building of relationships, rather than merely remote instruction. Paul understood that while letters could convey truth, the physical presence of an apostle provided unique opportunities for teaching, correction, encouragement, and the modeling of Christian life. This verse highlights the strategic and purposeful nature of Paul's missionary journeys, always with the aim of strengthening and maturing the churches.

* [Acts 19:21](/acts/19-21 "Acts 19:21 - Paul's resolve to go to Jerusalem via Macedonia and Achaia")
* [Romans 15:23-24](/romans/15-23-24 "Romans 15:23-24 - Paul's desire to visit Rome and Spain")
* [2 Corinthians 1:15-17](/2-corinthians/1-15-17 "2 Corinthians 1:15-17 - Paul's integrity in travel plans")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's meticulous planning and clear communication regarding his travel to Corinth offer valuable lessons for believers today. In an age of instant digital communication, this verse reminds us of the irreplaceable value of personal presence and face-to-face interaction in building genuine relationships and fostering spiritual growth. Whether in family, church, or community, intentionality in presence—showing up, being available, and investing time—builds trust and strengthens bonds far more deeply than mere words or virtual interactions. Furthermore, Paul's example encourages us to be diligent and strategic in our own commitments and ministries, planning thoughtfully while remaining open to God's sovereign leading. It also challenges us to communicate our intentions clearly and honestly, fostering transparency and avoiding misunderstandings, thereby reflecting Christ's integrity in all our dealings.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's emphasis on personal presence challenge our reliance on digital communication in ministry and relationships today?**
* **In what areas of your life could more intentional planning and clear communication improve relationships or outcomes?**
* **How do you balance careful planning with a willingness to adjust your plans according to God's leading, as Paul often had to do?**

### FAQ

**Why was it important for Paul to inform the Corinthians of his travel plans?**

Answer: It was crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it demonstrated Paul's pastoral care and transparency, allowing the Corinthians to anticipate his arrival and prepare for his visit. In the early church, apostolic visits were significant events for teaching, correction, and encouragement. Secondly, Paul had faced accusations of inconsistency regarding his travel plans in the past (as seen in [2 Corinthians 1:15-20](/2-corinthians/1-15-20 "2 Corinthians 1:15-20 - Paul's faithfulness despite changed plans")), so clear communication helped to rebuild trust and set accurate expectations. Thirdly, it provided practical information for the church as they might need to arrange hospitality or prepare for specific discussions upon his arrival.

**Did Paul's travel plans always go exactly as he initially announced them?**

Answer: No, not always. While Paul made careful plans, he also remained flexible and submitted to the leading of the Holy Spirit, or was sometimes hindered by circumstances. For instance, his plans to visit Corinth directly were altered, leading to an "unpleasant visit" and a "painful letter" before his final, more positive visit (cf. [2 Corinthians 2:1-4](/2-corinthians/2-1-4 "2 Corinthians 2:1-4 - Paul's painful visit") and [2 Corinthians 7:8-9](/2-corinthians/7-8-9 "2 Corinthians 7:8-9 - The painful letter")). He often explained these changes, emphasizing that his "yes" was truly "yes" in Christ, even if the timing or route shifted ([2 Corinthians 1:18-20](/2-corinthians/1-18-20 "2 Corinthians 1:18-20 - God's faithfulness and Paul's integrity")). This tension between careful planning and divine sovereignty is a recurring theme in Paul's life and ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 16:5](/1-corinthians/16-5 "1 Corinthians 16:5 - Paul's Travel Plans") describes Paul's earthly travel plans, it subtly reflects a deeper, Christ-centered principle of divine presence and intentionality. Just as Paul, the apostle, planned to "come unto" his beloved flock, so too did God the Son, Jesus Christ, intentionally "come unto" humanity. The ultimate fulfillment of such a desire for personal presence is found in the Incarnation, where the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). Christ's journey from heaven to earth was the most profound "passing through" – traversing the chasm between divinity and humanity to bring salvation. Furthermore, Christ's promise to be with His disciples "always, to the end of the age" ([Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "Matthew 28:20 - Jesus' promise of presence")) and His sending of the Holy Spirit to indwell believers ([John 14:16-18](/john/14-16-18 "John 14:16-18 - The promise of the Holy Spirit")) demonstrate an ongoing, intimate divine presence that far surpasses any human visit. Paul's pastoral commitment to be physically present with the Corinthians, despite the difficulties, mirrors the divine commitment of God to be present with His people, ultimately and perfectly realized in Jesus Christ.

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

Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Acts 20:1

¶ And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto [him] the disciples, and embraced [them], and departed for to go into Macedonia.

Acts 20:3

And [there] abode three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him, as he was about to sail into Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

2 Corinthians 1:15

¶ And in this confidence I was minded to come unto you before, that ye might have a second benefit;

2 Corinthians 1:17

When I therefore was thus minded, did I use lightness? or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yea yea, and nay nay?