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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
Two Centuries of Reception
3 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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They were keeping it "unleavened "ceremonially, and he urges a spiritual unleavening as more important. The Christian hallowing of Pentecost connects with the Paschal argument.
Paul wrote this letter from Ephesus.
"But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost."
As we should expect, he tells them all exactly, informing them as friends, For this too is a mark of friendship to say the reason why he was not with them, why he delayed, and where he was staying.
"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."
Now it was "great," how could there be "adversaries?" Why on this very account the adversaries were many, because men's faith was great; because the entrance was great and wide. But what means, "A great door?" There are many prepared to receive the faith, many ready to approach and be converted. There is a spacious entrance for me, things being now come to that point that the mind of those approaching is at its prime for the obedience of the faith. On this account, vehement was the blast of the breath of the devil, because he saw many turning away from him.
You see then on both accounts it was needful for him to stay; both because the gain was abundant, and because the struggle was great.
And herewith also he cheered them up, namely, by saying, that henceforth the word works every where and springs up readily. And if there be many who plot against it, this also is a sign of the advance of the Gospel. For at no time doth that evil demon wax fierce, except on seeing his goods made spoil of abundantly.
Let us then, when we desire to effect any thing great and noble, not regard this, the greatness of the labor which it brings, but let us rather look to the gain. Mark, for instance, Paul, not therefore lingering, not therefore shrinking back, because "there were many adversaries;" but because "there was a great door," pressing on and persevering. Yea, and as I was saying, this was a sign that the devil was being stripped, for it is not, depend on it, by little and mean achievements that men provoke that evil monster to wrath. And so when thou seest a righteous man performing great and excellent deeds, yet suffering innumerable ills, marvel not; on the contrary, one might well marvel, if the devil receiving so many blows were to keep quiet and bear the wounds meekly. Even as you ought not to be surprised were a serpent, continually goaded, to grow fierce and spring on the person that goaded it. Now no serpent steals on you so fierce as the devil, leaping up against all; and, like a scorpion with its sting raised, he raises himself upright. Let not this then disturb you: since of course he that returns from war and victory and slaughter must needs be bloody, and oftentimes also have received wounds. Do thou, then, for thy part, when thou seest any one doing alms and performing numberless other good works and so curtailing the power of the devil, and then falling into temptations and perils; be not troubled thereupon. This is the very reason why he fell into temptations, because he mightily smote the devil.
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Summary
Paul informs the Corinthian church of his intention to remain in Ephesus for an extended period, specifically until the Jewish festival of Pentecost. This decision, though delaying his anticipated visit to Corinth, underscores his strategic approach to ministry, prioritizing the significant opportunities for evangelism and church strengthening that were present in Ephesus at that time, even amidst considerable opposition.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the concluding remarks of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, specifically within a section (1 Corinthians 16:5-12) where he outlines his travel plans and provides updates on his itinerary. Having addressed numerous doctrinal and practical issues throughout the letter, Paul now turns to personal matters, including his future movements and the anticipated visits of himself and others (like Timothy and Apollos). His statement about remaining in Ephesus directly precedes his explanation in 1 Corinthians 16:9 that "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries," providing the rationale for his decision to extend his stay. This immediate context highlights Paul's strategic thinking and his responsiveness to divine opportunities, even amidst opposition.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus during his third missionary journey, likely around 55-56 AD. Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, serving as a major commercial and religious hub. It was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it a center of pagan worship and a challenging environment for Christian evangelism. Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as recounted in Acts 19, was extensive and impactful, lasting over two years. The festival of Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Sukkot) when Jews from across the Roman Empire would travel to Jerusalem. For Paul, a former Pharisee, this festival would have held deep significance, and its timing would have presented unique opportunities for evangelism, as large numbers of people would be gathered or traveling.
Key Themes
Paul's decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and his broader ministry. Firstly, it exemplifies Strategic Ministry Planning, demonstrating Paul's methodical and discerning approach to his apostolic work. He did not operate haphazardly but made calculated decisions about where and when to invest his time and efforts, often guided by spiritual discernment and the recognition of "open doors" for the Gospel, as seen in Colossians 4:3. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Divine Timing and Opportunity, as Paul recognized Ephesus as a vital center for spreading the Gospel throughout Asia Minor and seized the opportune moment to maximize his impact there. Finally, the verse highlights Ephesus as a Ministry Hub, emphasizing its strategic importance as a significant center for early Christian evangelism and church planting, from which the message could radiate to the surrounding regions, as described in Acts 19:10.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from epi (upon, over) and menō (to remain, abide), this verb signifies to "stay over," "continue," or "persevere." In this context, it indicates Paul's deliberate decision to extend his stay in Ephesus beyond a casual visit, implying a sustained commitment to his work there. It suggests a purposeful, prolonged presence rather than a fleeting stop.
This refers to the prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, located on the Aegean coast. As a major port city and religious center, Ephesus was strategically important for the spread of the Gospel. Paul's extended ministry here, as detailed in Acts 19, led to significant growth of the church and widespread evangelism throughout the region.
Meaning "fiftieth," this term refers to the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, drawing Jews and proselytes from across the Roman world to Jerusalem. For Paul, remaining until this festival likely presented both practical opportunities for meeting fellow believers or leaders, and strategic evangelistic opportunities due to the large gatherings and increased travel associated with the feast.
Verse Breakdown
"But I will tarry at Ephesus"
This clause reveals Paul's immediate travel plans, indicating a change or clarification from a previous expectation or desire. The conjunction "But" (G1161, dé) serves as an adversative or continuative particle, suggesting a contrast to the Corinthians' expectation of his prompt arrival or to his own desire to visit them sooner. His decision to "tarry" (G1961, epiménō) emphasizes a deliberate, extended stay in Ephesus, highlighting his commitment to the ongoing ministry there.
"until Pentecost."
This phrase specifies the duration of Paul's intended stay in Ephesus, setting a clear timeframe. Pentecost (G4005, pentēkostḗ), a significant Jewish festival, serves as a temporal marker. This indicates Paul's strategic planning, aligning his ministry schedule with a period that would likely offer heightened opportunities for evangelism, teaching, or connecting with a broader network of believers or visitors.
Literary Devices
The verse, while seemingly a straightforward statement of itinerary, subtly employs several literary devices. The initial "But" (G1161, dé) serves as a mild Adversative Conjunction, implying a contrast or a slight redirection from an assumed or desired course of action (e.g., visiting Corinth sooner). This sets up a subtle Juxtaposition between the Corinthians' expectation and Paul's divinely guided decision. Furthermore, the mention of "Pentecost" functions as a form of Allusion and Symbolism. For Paul's original Jewish and Gentile audiences, "Pentecost" would have immediately evoked the significant Jewish festival, carrying connotations of harvest, covenant renewal, and later, for Christians, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This specific temporal marker underscores Paul's Pragmatism and Foresight in ministry, as he strategically times his movements to leverage periods of high spiritual and social activity for the advancement of the Gospel.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Paul's decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, as stated in 1 Corinthians 16:8, profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine providence and human strategic planning in apostolic ministry. It reveals a servant of God who is deeply committed to maximizing evangelistic opportunities, even if it means delaying personal desires or the expectations of others. Paul's responsiveness to the "great door and effectual" mentioned in the subsequent verse (1 Corinthians 16:9) demonstrates a profound theological conviction that God opens doors for ministry, and believers are called to walk through them with diligence and perseverance, even in the face of significant opposition. This highlights the importance of discerning God's timing and strategic placement for effective Kingdom work.
Reflection and Application
Paul's strategic decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" offers a powerful model for contemporary believers and ministries. It challenges us to move beyond mere spontaneity in our service and to cultivate a posture of thoughtful discernment, seeking God's timing and strategic placement for our gifts and efforts. Like Paul, we are called to be sensitive to the "open doors" that God provides, recognizing that seasons of intense spiritual opportunity may require prolonged commitment and perseverance, even when faced with "many adversaries." This verse reminds us that effective ministry is not just about doing good things, but about doing the right things, in the right place, at the right time, according to God's leading. It encourages us to prioritize the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church, adapting our plans to best serve God's purposes, and trusting that His timing is always perfect for maximizing impact.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Paul choose to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost?
Paul's decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost was a strategic one, driven by the significant opportunities for ministry present in the city. As he explains in the very next verse, 1 Corinthians 16:9, "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." This indicates that Ephesus was a fertile ground for evangelism and church planting, even amidst opposition. Pentecost, a major Jewish festival, would also draw large crowds, potentially creating further opportunities for sharing the Gospel or connecting with other believers and leaders who might be traveling for the feast. Paul prioritized the advancement of the Gospel over his personal desire to visit Corinth sooner.
What is the significance of "Pentecost" in this context?
In this context, "Pentecost" refers to the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals when Jews from across the Roman Empire would travel to Jerusalem. For Paul, this timing was significant because such festivals often brought together large numbers of people, creating a natural audience for evangelism. While the Christian significance of Pentecost (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 2:1-4) had already occurred, Paul's reference here primarily uses it as a well-understood temporal marker for his audience, indicating a period of heightened activity and potential for ministry.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Paul's strategic decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" beautifully echoes and extends the Christ-centered mission of the early church. Just as Jesus Himself operated with divine timing and purpose, strategically choosing where to minister and when to reveal Himself (e.g., John 7:6), Paul, as an apostle of Christ, emulated this intentionality. His extended stay in Ephesus, a city steeped in paganism, demonstrates the Spirit-empowered commitment to expanding the Kingdom of God to all nations, a mission initiated by Christ (e.g., Matthew 28:19-20). Furthermore, the mention of "Pentecost" subtly points to the very foundation of the Church's global mission: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4), which empowered believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel and establish communities of faith. Paul's ministry in Ephesus, therefore, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's promise to build His church (Matthew 16:18) and to send His Spirit to empower His witnesses (Acts 1:8). Paul's strategic patience was not merely human planning but a Spirit-led alignment with Christ's ongoing work of redemption and church building in the world.