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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 16:5–9.
In this passage the apostle notifies and explains his purpose of visiting them, concerning which, observe, 1. His purpose: he intended to pass out of Asia, where he now was (vide Co1 16:8, Co1 16:19) and to go through Macedonia into Achaia, where Corinth was, and to stay some time with them, and perhaps the winter, Co1 16:5, Co1 16:6. He had long laboured in this church, and done much good among them, and had his heart set upon doing much more (if God saw fit), and therefore he had it in his thoughts to see them, and stay with them. Note, The heart of a truly Christian minister must be much towards that people among whom he has long laboured, and with remarkable success. No wonder that Paul was willing to see Corinth and stay with them as long as the other duties of his office would permit. Though some among this people despised him, and made a faction against him, doubtless there were many who loved him tenderly, and paid him all the respect due to an apostle and their spiritual father. And is it any wonder that he should be willing to visit them, and stay with them? And as to the rest, who now manifested great disrespect, he might hope to reduce them to a better temper, and thereby rectify what was out of order in the church, by staying among them for some time. It is plain that he hoped for some good effect, because he says he intended to stay, that they might bring him on his journey whithersoever he went (Co1 16:6); not that they might accompany him a little way on the road, but expedite and furnish him for his journey, help and encourage him to it, and provide him for it. He is to be understood of being brought forward in his journey after a godly sort (as it is expressed, Jo3 1:6), so that nothing might be wanting to him, as he himself speaks, Tit 3:13. His stay among them, he hoped, would cure their factious humour, and reconcile them to himself and their duty. Note, It was a just reason for an apostle to make his abode in a place that he had a prospect of doing good. 2. His excuse for not seeing them now, because it would be only by the way (Co1 16:7), en parodō - in transitu - en passant: it would only be a transient visit. He would not see them because he could not stay with them. Such a visit would give neither him nor them any satisfaction or advantage; it would rather raise the appetite than regale it, rather heighten their desires of being together than satisfy them. He loved them so much that he longed for an opportunity to stay with them, take up his abode among them for some length of time. This would be more pleasing to himself, and more serviceable to them, than a cursory visit in his way; and therefore he would not see them now, but another time, when he could tarry longer. 3. We have the limitation of this purpose: I trust to tarry awhile with you, if the Lord permit, Co1 16:7. Though the apostles wrote under inspiration, they did not know thereby how God would dispose of them. Paul had a purpose of coming to Corinth, and staying there, and hoped to do good thereby. This was not a purpose proceeding from any extraordinary motion or impulse of the Spirit of God; it was not the effect of inspiration; for had it been such he could not have spoken of it in this manner. A purpose formed thus in him must have been the purpose of God, signified to him by his Spirit; and could he say he would come to Corinth upon this view only, if God permit, that is, that he would execute God's own purpose concerning himself, with God's permission? It is to be understood then of a common purpose, formed in his own spirit. And concerning all our purposes it is fit we should say, "We will execute them if the Lord permit." Note, All our purposes must be made with submission to the divine providence. We should say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this and that, Jam 4:15. It is not in us to effect our own designs, without the divine leave. It is by God's power and permission, and under his direction, that we must do every thing. Heathens have concurred in acknowledging this concern of Providence in all our actions and concerns; surely we should readily own it, and frequently and seriously attend to it. 4. We have his purpose expressed of staying at Ephesus for the present. He says he would stay there till pentecost, Co1 16:8. It is very probable that at the time of writing this epistle he was in Ephesus, from this passage, compared with Co1 16:19, where he says, The churches of Asia salute you. A proper salutation from Ephesus, but hardly so proper had he been at Philippi, as the subscription to this epistle in our common copies has it. "The churches of Macedonia salute you" had been much more properly inserted in the close of a letter from Philippi, than the other. But, 5. We have the reason given for his staying at Ephesus for the present: Because a great door, and effectual, was opened to him, and there were many adversaries, Co1 16:9. A great door and effectual was opened to him; many were prepared to receive the gospel at Ephesus, and God gave him great success among them; he had brought over many to Christ, and he had great hope of bringing over many more. For this reason he determined to stay awhile at Ephesus. Note, Success, and a fair prospect of more, was a just reason to determine an apostle to stay and labour in a particular place. And there were many adversaries, because a great door, and an effectual, was opened. Note, Great success in the work of the gospel commonly creates many enemies. The devil opposes those most, and makes them most trouble, who most heartily and successfully set themselves to destroy his kingdom. There were many adversaries; and therefore the apostle determined to stay. Some think he alludes in this passage to the custom of the Roman Circus, and the doors of it, at which the charioteers were to enter, as their antagonists did at the opposite doors. True courage is whetted by opposition; and it is no wonder that the Christian courage of the apostle should be animated by the zeal of his adversaries. They were bent to ruin him, and prevent the effect of his ministry at Ephesus; and should he at this time desert his station, and disgrace his character and doctrine? No, the opposition of adversaries only animated his zeal. He was in nothing daunted by his adversaries; but the more they raged and opposed the more he exerted himself. Should such a man as he flee? Note, Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but only enkindle their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. Indeed, to labour in vain is heartless and discouraging. This damps the spirits, and breaks the heart. But success will give life and vigour to a minister, though enemies rage, and blaspheme, and persecute. It is not the opposition of enemies, but the hardness and obstinacy of his hearers, and the backslidings and revolt of professors, that damp a faithful minister, and break his heart.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
Paul is personally strengthening the admonitions by which he is putting them right. The one from whom they have heard Christian teaching is coming to visit. If so, they will be all the more concerned not to be ashamed when he arrives.
"But with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter." For I do not at all wish to take you merely in my way, but to continue among you and spend some time. For when he wrote this letter, he was in Ephesus, and it was winter; as you may know by his saying, "Until Pentecost I will tarry at Ephesus; but after this I shall go away to Macedonia, and after having gone through it, I will be with you in the summer; and perhaps I shall even spend the winter with you." And why did he say, "perhaps;" and did not positively affirm it? Because Paul did not foreknow all things; for good purposes. Wherefore neither doth he absolutely affirm, in order that if it came not to pass, he might have something to resort to; first, his previous mention of it having been indefinite; and next, the power of the Spirit leading him wheresoever It willed, not where he himself desired. And this also he expresses in the second Epistle, when excusing himself on account of his delay, and saying, "Or the things which I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be the yea yea and the nay nay?"
"That ye may set me forward on my journey wheresoever I go." This also is a mark of love, and great strength of affection.
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Summary
In 1 Corinthians 16:6, the Apostle Paul outlines his flexible travel plans to Corinth, expressing a desire to potentially stay through the winter and emphasizing his reliance on the Corinthian church's practical support for his onward missionary journeys. This verse offers a window into the logistical realities of apostolic ministry in the ancient world, highlighting Paul's deep pastoral commitment, the early church's role in supporting gospel workers, and the strategic planning required for effective evangelism and discipleship.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the concluding remarks of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, following his extensive theological and pastoral instructions on various church issues. In the preceding verse, 1 Corinthians 16:5 Paul states his intention to visit Corinth after passing through Macedonia. Verse 6 then elaborates on this plan, suggesting a potentially longer stay, perhaps even through the winter, before being "brought on his journey." This section (1 Corinthians 16:5-9) functions as Paul's personal itinerary, revealing his strategic thinking regarding future ministry movements and his dependence on the churches for practical assistance. It is followed by instructions regarding Timothy's visit and Apollos's plans, further cementing the practical, collaborative nature of early Christian leadership.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus, likely between A.D. 55-56. Travel in the ancient world, especially by sea, was heavily influenced by seasons. The winter months (roughly November to March) were considered dangerous for sea voyages due to storms, making land travel or extended stays a necessity. Paul's mention of "wintering with you" (Gk. paracheimázō) reflects this reality, indicating a willingness to commit significant time to the Corinthian church, not just a brief visit. The concept of "bringing on one's journey" (Gk. propémpō) was a common cultural practice, signifying not just a farewell but providing provisions, financial support, and sometimes even an escort for the traveler's next leg. This was a vital form of hospitality and support for missionaries, teachers, and public figures in the Greco-Roman world, enabling their continued work.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and Paul's broader theology. It underscores Apostolic Care and Presence, demonstrating Paul's deep pastoral heart and his belief in the importance of personal presence for discipleship and church health, beyond mere written instruction. It highlights the theme of Mutual Support and Interdependence within the Body of Christ, where the apostle serves the church through teaching and leadership, and the church, in turn, supports the apostle's ongoing mission. This reciprocal relationship is vital for the spread of the gospel, as seen in Paul's instructions regarding financial support for ministers in Galatians 6:6. Furthermore, Paul's practical consideration of travel seasons reveals a theme of Strategic Planning and Prudence in Ministry, emphasizing that spiritual work also requires practical wisdom and adaptation to circumstances, a principle echoed in his broader ministry approach, such as his commitment to being "all things to all people" in 1 Corinthians 9:22.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word (G3887) means "to stay near, i.e., remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere)." Paul's use of this term suggests a desire for a prolonged, perhaps even indefinite, stay with the Corinthians, indicating more than a fleeting visit. It implies a deeper engagement and commitment to their spiritual well-being.
This verb (G3914) specifically means "to winter near, i.e., stay with over the rainy season." It highlights the practical realities of ancient travel, where sea voyages were often suspended during the colder, stormier months. Paul's willingness to "winter" with them underscores his dedication and adaptability, prioritizing sustained fellowship and teaching over swift movement.
This term (G4311) means "to send forward, i.e., escort or aid in travel." It goes beyond a simple farewell, encompassing the provision of necessary resources—financial support, supplies, and possibly even companionship—to ensure a safe and successful onward journey for the traveler. It signifies active, tangible support for the ongoing work of ministry.
Verse Breakdown
"And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you"
Paul expresses a contingent plan, indicating a strong possibility of an extended stay. The phrase "it may be" (Gk. tynchánō) suggests flexibility but also a genuine desire. His intention to "abide" and "winter" points to a commitment to spend a significant period, perhaps several months, with the Corinthian church, allowing for deeper teaching, discipleship, and problem-solving.
"that ye may bring me on my journey"
This clause reveals the purpose of Paul's extended stay and his expectation of the Corinthians. The phrase "bring me on my journey" (Gk. propémpō) implies that the Corinthians would provide the necessary practical support—financial, logistical, and perhaps even companionship—for Paul's next leg of travel. This was a common and expected act of hospitality and support for traveling ministers in the ancient world.
"whithersoever I go"
This final phrase emphasizes the open-ended nature of Paul's future missionary endeavors. He doesn't specify his next destination, leaving it open to divine leading and practical considerations. It signifies his continuous commitment to the spread of the gospel beyond Corinth, relying on the church's support to facilitate these future missions.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Anticipation by outlining future travel plans, creating a sense of expectation for Paul's arrival and the subsequent continuation of his ministry. The phrase "it may be" introduces an element of Contingency, reflecting the practical uncertainties and divine leading inherent in apostolic journeys. The use of Synecdoche is present in "winter with you," where "winter" stands for the entire cold season and the extended period of stay it necessitates. Finally, the practical request to "bring me on my journey" serves as a form of Metonymy, where the act of sending off represents the broader concept of providing comprehensive support for a traveler's needs.
Theological and Thematic Connections
1 Corinthians 16:6 beautifully illustrates the symbiotic relationship between an apostle and the churches he serves, a model for ministry support that transcends time. Paul, as a spiritual father, pours himself out for the Corinthians, and in return, he expects their practical support to enable his continued gospel work. This mutual dependence underscores the biblical principle that those who minister the Word are worthy of support, allowing them to devote themselves fully to their calling without being hindered by material concerns. It highlights the church's vital role in facilitating the spread of the gospel by caring for its laborers.
Reflection and Application
Paul's flexible yet purposeful travel plans in 1 Corinthians 16:6 offer profound lessons for contemporary believers and churches. His willingness to "abide" and "winter" with the Corinthians underscores the invaluable nature of personal presence and sustained relational investment in ministry. In an age of rapid communication, this verse reminds us that genuine discipleship and robust church communities are often built through shared time, intentional fellowship, and face-to-face interaction. Furthermore, Paul's expectation of being "brought on his journey" challenges us to consider our responsibility to support those who dedicate their lives to gospel ministry, whether local pastors, global missionaries, or itinerant teachers. This support is not merely a charitable act but a partnership in the Kingdom, enabling the spread of God's Word. It calls us to practice radical hospitality, generosity, and practical care for those who serve, recognizing that their effectiveness is often tied to the tangible support of the body of Christ.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "bring me on my journey" mean in the context of Paul's travels?
The phrase "bring me on my journey" (Greek: propémpō) signifies more than a simple farewell. In the ancient world, it was a common and expected act of hospitality and support for travelers, especially those engaged in public service or ministry. It encompassed providing for the traveler's needs, which could include financial assistance, provisions for the road, arranging lodging, and sometimes even providing an escort for safety and companionship. For Paul, it meant the Corinthian church would actively facilitate his onward missionary work by ensuring he had the necessary resources to continue his travels and ministry effectively. This practice is also seen in Romans 15:24 where Paul asks the Roman church to "help me on my way to Spain."
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 1 Corinthians 16:6 primarily details Paul's practical ministry plans and the church's role in supporting them, it implicitly points to the ultimate pattern of Christ's own ministry and the ongoing mission of His body. Jesus, the Son of God, "abided" among humanity, not for a winter, but for a lifetime, fully embodying God with us, Immanuel (Matthew 1:23). His earthly ministry was characterized by personal presence, teaching, and healing, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection. Just as Paul relied on the church's practical support to "go" and spread the gospel, Christ commissioned His disciples to "go into all the world" (Mark 16:15) and promised to be with them always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). The church's support for gospel workers, as exemplified in this verse, is therefore an extension of Christ's own mission, enabling His ongoing work through His Spirit-empowered body. By supporting those who proclaim the good news, believers participate in the very mission of God to reconcile the world to Himself, a mission initiated and perfectly fulfilled by Christ Himself, the ultimate missionary who was sent by the Father (John 3:16-17).