2 Corinthians 1:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Paul elaborates on his original, now altered, travel itinerary to the Corinthian church, which involved a double visit: first, passing through Corinth on his way to Macedonia, and then returning from Macedonia to Corinth, from where he expected to be assisted on his journey towards Judaea. This verse is part of Paul's broader defense of his integrity and consistency, aiming to reassure the Corinthians that his change of plans was not due to fickleness or worldly motives, but rather a decision made in prayer and under divine guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Paul's earnest defense of his apostolic integrity and the trustworthiness of his word, found in [2 Corinthians 1](/2_corinthians/1 "2 Corinthians 1 - Paul's Comfort and Integrity"). The Corinthian church had apparently questioned Paul's reliability because he had announced an intention to visit them twice – once on his way to Macedonia and again on his return – but then altered his plans, leading to accusations of inconsistency or a lack of commitment. Paul's detailed explanation of his original itinerary, as outlined in [2 Corinthians 1:15-16](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Changed Plans"), serves to clarify his intentions and counter the criticisms, asserting that his "yes" is not simultaneously "no" ([2 Corinthians 1:17-18](/2_corinthians/1-17-18 "2 Corinthians 1:17-18 - God's Faithfulness")). He emphasizes that his plans, like the gospel he preaches, are consistent and rooted in God's faithfulness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Travel in the ancient world was arduous and often dependent on the hospitality and logistical support of local communities. Apostles and missionaries like Paul relied heavily on the generosity of believers for lodging, provisions, and assistance in continuing their journeys. The phrase "to be brought on my way" (Greek: *propempō*) reflects a common practice where a host church would not merely bid farewell but would actively escort, provide for, and facilitate the onward travel of a minister, often accompanying them for a portion of their journey or ensuring they had necessary supplies and contacts for the next leg. This was a significant expression of fellowship and support, vital for the spread of the gospel. Paul's intended journey to Judaea, as mentioned here, likely refers to his plan to deliver the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, a significant undertaking that required considerable support ([Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Romans 15:25-26 - The Collection for Jerusalem")).
* **Key Themes:** [2 Corinthians 1:16](/2_corinthians/1-16 "2 Corinthians 1:16 - Paul's Travel Plans") contributes to several overarching themes in the epistle. Firstly, it highlights the **practicalities of apostolic ministry** and the reliance of early church leaders on the support of the communities they served. Secondly, it underscores Paul's deep commitment to **transparency and clear communication** with the churches, even when explaining difficult or altered circumstances. His willingness to detail his original plans, even those that didn't materialize, speaks to his desire to maintain **trust and genuine relationship** with the Corinthians, countering any perception of duplicity ([2 Corinthians 1:12](/2_corinthians/1-12 "2 Corinthians 1:12 - Paul's Conscience")). Finally, the verse implicitly touches on the theme of **church partnership in mission**, as the Corinthians were expected to facilitate Paul's journey, demonstrating their shared investment in the broader work of the gospel.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **pass by (Greek, _diérchomai'_):** From G1330, meaning "to traverse (literally):--come, depart, go (about, abroad, everywhere, over, through, throughout), pass (by, over, through, throughout), pierce through, travel, walk through." This word emphasizes the movement *through* a place, indicating Paul's intention to make Corinth a transit point on his way to Macedonia, implying a brief stop rather than a prolonged stay for the first visit.
* **come again (Greek, _érchomai'_ + _pálin'_):** G2064 (*érchomai*) means "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)" and G3825 (*pálin*) means "anew, i.e. (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand." The combination signifies a return visit, emphasizing that Paul intended a second, more substantial stop in Corinth after his time in Macedonia.
* **to be brought on my way (Greek, _propémpō'_):** From G4311, meaning "to send forward, i.e. escort or aid in travel:--accompany, bring (forward) on journey (way), conduct forth." This term is crucial, denoting not just a farewell, but active support, provision, and often accompaniment for a portion of the journey. It highlights the customary practice of early Christian communities providing material and logistical assistance to traveling ministers, ensuring their needs were met for the next leg of their missionary endeavors.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to pass by you into Macedonia":** This clause reveals the first part of Paul's original, now abandoned, travel plan. He intended to make a quick visit to Corinth on his way to Macedonia, using it as a convenient stopover or a brief initial encounter. This "passing by" suggests a less extended stay than his subsequent intended return visit.
* **"and to come again out of Macedonia unto you":** This indicates the second, and presumably more substantial, visit Paul had planned. After completing his work in Macedonia, he purposed to return to Corinth, implying a longer stay and deeper engagement with the church there. This "again" underscores the double-visit itinerary that became a point of contention.
* **"and of you to be brought on my way toward Judaea":** This final clause highlights the expected support from the Corinthian church for the next leg of Paul's journey. The phrase "to be brought on my way" (Greek: *propémpō*) signifies that the Corinthians were to provide hospitality, financial aid, and perhaps even an escort for Paul as he continued his travels towards Judaea, likely to deliver the collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This demonstrates the mutual partnership and responsibility within the early Christian community for the advancement of the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** and **Antithesis** to articulate Paul's original travel plans. The repetition of "Macedonia" and "you" (Corinth) serves to clearly delineate the back-and-forth nature of his intended itinerary. The structure itself presents an **Antithesis** between "passing by you into Macedonia" (a brief transit) and "to come again out of Macedonia unto you" (a return for a more extended stay), highlighting the two distinct phases of his planned interaction with the Corinthians. Furthermore, the phrase "to be brought on my way" can be seen as a form of **Metonymy**, where the act of "sending off" stands for the comprehensive support and provision offered by the church. This also carries a strong **Cultural Implication**, pointing to the established practice of Christian hospitality and logistical support for traveling ministers, which was a vital component of early missionary efforts.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's detailed explanation of his travel plans, even the ones that changed, underscores a profound theological principle: the intersection of human planning with divine sovereignty. While Paul meticulously planned his missionary journeys, he always held his plans loosely, subject to the leading of the Holy Spirit and the practical realities of ministry. His defense here is not merely about personal integrity but about demonstrating that his "yes" and "no" were not fickle, but rooted in the faithfulness of God, who is always "yes" in Christ. The expectation of being "brought on his way" also highlights the theological understanding of the church as a unified body, where local congregations are not isolated but are integral partners in the global mission of God, supporting those sent out to preach and serve. This mutual support reflects the communal nature of the Christian faith and the shared responsibility for the gospel's advancement.

* [Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Desire to Visit Rome")
* [3 John 1:6](/3_john/1-6 "3 John 1:6 - Supporting Traveling Workers")
* [Philippians 4:16](/philippians/4-16 "Philippians 4:16 - Philippians' Support for Paul")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse, though seemingly a mundane detail of Paul's travel logistics, offers rich insights for contemporary believers and ministries. It reminds us that even in ministry, plans can and do change, and our integrity is often tested in such moments. Paul's example teaches us the importance of transparent communication, even when explaining difficult or altered circumstances, fostering trust rather than suspicion within the community of faith. Furthermore, the expectation that the Corinthian church would "bring him on his way" serves as a powerful reminder of the biblical mandate for churches to actively support those engaged in missions and itinerant ministry. This support extends beyond mere financial contributions to include practical assistance, prayer, hospitality, and genuine partnership. It challenges us to consider how our local church can better facilitate and empower those whom God has called to serve beyond our immediate walls, recognizing that we are all interconnected in the grand mission of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I respond when my plans, or the plans of others, change unexpectedly, especially in ministry contexts?**
* **In what ways does my local church actively "send on their way" those who serve in missions or itinerant ministries?**
* **How can I personally contribute to supporting gospel workers, not just financially, but also through practical help and prayer?**
* **What does Paul's emphasis on integrity in his travel plans teach me about trustworthiness in my own commitments and communications?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul change his travel plans to Corinth?**

Answer: Paul's original plan, as detailed in [2 Corinthians 1:15-16](/2_corinthians/1-15-16 "2 Corinthians 1:15-16 - Paul's Changed Plans"), was to visit Corinth twice: once on his way to Macedonia and again on his return. However, he ultimately decided against the first visit. His explanation in [2 Corinthians 1:23](/2_corinthians/1-23 "2 Corinthians 1:23 - Paul's Reason for Not Visiting") indicates that he "spared" them a painful visit, implying that the Corinthian church was in a state of disarray or rebellion that required a period of repentance and restoration before he could come to them in joy. He preferred to write a severe letter ([2 Corinthians 2:4](/2_corinthians/2-4 "2 Corinthians 2:4 - Paul's Severe Letter")) and allow time for them to respond, rather than arriving and having to deal with the issues face-to-face immediately, which would have caused grief for both him and them. His change of plans was therefore a pastoral decision, aimed at their spiritual well-being.

**What does "to be brought on my way" mean practically in the context of the early church?**

Answer: The phrase "to be brought on my way" translates the Greek word *propémpō* (G4311), which signifies more than just a simple farewell. It encompassed active support and assistance for a traveler. Practically, it meant that the Corinthian church was expected to provide Paul with the necessary provisions for his journey (food, money, supplies), arrange for his lodging, and potentially even provide companions or an escort for a portion of his trip towards Judaea. This practice was a vital expression of Christian fellowship and partnership in the gospel, ensuring that missionaries and evangelists had the resources and security needed to continue their work ([Romans 15:24](/romans/15-24 "Romans 15:24 - Paul's Desire for Support")). It highlights the mutual responsibility within the early church to facilitate the spread of the Good News.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Corinthians 1:16](/2_corinthians/1-16 "2 Corinthians 1:16 - Paul's Travel Plans") details Paul's human planning and reliance on the church, it ultimately points to Christ as the ultimate "Way" and the one who empowers and directs all true ministry. Paul's journey to Judaea, intended to deliver aid to the saints, echoes Christ's own journey to Jerusalem, culminating in the ultimate act of self-giving for the salvation of humanity. Just as Paul relied on the church to "bring him on his way," Christ, in His earthly ministry, relied on the Father's provision and direction, always walking in obedience to the divine will ([John 5:19](/john/5-19 "John 5:19 - Jesus Does What the Father Does")). Furthermore, Christ Himself is the one who "sends" His disciples on their way, empowering them by the Holy Spirit to carry out His mission to the ends of the earth ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). The church's support for Paul's journey, therefore, is a reflection of its participation in Christ's ongoing mission, a practical outworking of His command to go and make disciples. In Christ, all our journeys, whether physical or spiritual, find their purpose and ultimate destination, for He is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way")).

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

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.