1. Korinther 16:5

His first intention had been (Co2 1:15-16) to pass through them (Corinth) to Macedonia, and again return to them from Macedonia, and so to Judea; this he had announced in the lost epistle (Co1 5:9); now having laid aside this intention (for which he was charged with levity, Co2 1:17, &c., whereas it was through lenity, Co2 1:23; Co2 2:1), he announces his second plan of "not seeing them now by the way," but "passing through Macedonia" first on his way to them, and then "tarrying a while," and even "abiding and wintering with them." for I do pass--as much as to say, "This is what I at last resolve upon" (not as the erroneous subscription of the Epistle represents it, as if he was THEN at Philippi, on his way through Macedonia); implying that there had been some previous communication upon the subject of the journey, and also that there had been some indecisiveness in the apostle's plan [PALEY]. In accordance with his second plan, we find him in Macedonia when Second Corinthians was written (Co2 2:13; Co2 8:1; Co2 9:2, Co2 9:4), and on his way to Corinth (Co2 12:14; Co2 13:1; compare Act 20:1-2). "Pass through" is opposed to "abide" (Co1 16:6). He was not yet in Macedonia (as Co1 16:8 shows), but at Ephesus; but he was thinking of passing through it (not abiding as he purposed to do at Corinth).

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…

16:5 Paul had traveled through Macedonia, a Roman province in the northern region of Greece, on his second missionary journey (Acts 15:36–18:22). • planning to travel through Macedonia: See Acts 19:21; 20:1-3.