And to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again out of Macedonia unto you, and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea.
And {G2532} to pass {G1330} by {G1223} you {G5216} into {G1519} Macedonia {G3109}, and {G2532} to come {G2064} again {G3825} out of {G575} Macedonia {G3109} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, and {G2532} of {G5259} you {G5216} to be brought on my way {G4311} toward {G1519} Judaea {G2449}.
I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, visit you again on my way back from Macedonia, and then have you send me on my way to Y’hudah.
I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.
and by you to pass into Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come unto you, and of you to be set forward on my journey unto Judæa.
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1 Corinthians 16:5
¶ Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. -
1 Corinthians 16:7
For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. -
Acts 21:5
And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed. -
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. -
Acts 19:22
So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.
This verse is part of Paul's explanation to the Corinthian church regarding his changed travel plans. He is defending his integrity and consistency, which some in Corinth had questioned due to his failure to visit them as previously intended.
Context
In 2 Corinthians chapter 1, Paul addresses criticisms that his plans were inconsistent, suggesting a lack of trustworthiness or a worldly approach (see 2 Corinthians 1:17). He had initially planned a different itinerary, intending to visit them twice – once on his way to Macedonia and again on his return. This verse, 2 Corinthians 1:16, specifically mentions the second part of that original plan: passing through Corinth on his way to Macedonia and then returning from Macedonia to be sent on his way towards Judaea by the Corinthians. His eventual decision not to make the first visit to Corinth, described earlier in the chapter, caused friction and necessitated this defense.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "to be brought on my way" translates the Greek word propempthēnai (προπεμφθῆναι). This term often implies more than just saying goodbye; it suggests accompanying someone part of the way or providing the necessary provisions and support for their journey. It reflects a common practice in the early church where believers supported and facilitated the travels of those engaged in ministry, such as seen in Romans 15:24 or 3 John 6.
Practical Application
This verse reminds us that ministry involves practical planning and communication, and sometimes plans change. It also highlights the biblical principle of churches supporting those who are sent out to minister or do missionary work. The expectation was that the Corinthian church would provide hospitality and assistance for Paul's journey towards Judaea, likely for delivering the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem (see Romans 15:26). This encourages believers today to support those serving in missions or itinerant ministries through prayer, finances, and practical help.