Read & explore together
Paul’s Travel Plans
In these verses, Paul explains his travel plans with care. He tells the Corinthians where he expects to go, why he does not want only a brief visit, and why he is staying longer in Ephesus.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This passage comes from the closing part of a letter. Paul speaks directly about visiting the Corinthians, mentions Macedonia and Ephesus, and explains that his plans depend on the Lord’s permission and on an open opportunity for his work. The verses read as personal plans within a teaching letter.
1 Corinthians 16:5–9Main takeaway
Paul’s plans show thoughtful care for the Corinthians, humble dependence on the Lord, and perseverance in useful work even when there is opposition.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Passing through Macedonia firstPaul says he will come to them after passing through Macedonia, and he repeats that he is passing through Macedonia.
Explanation
Paul says he will come to them after passing through Macedonia, and he repeats that he is passing through Macedonia. This makes his route clear. The point here is simple and practical: he has a real travel plan, and the Corinthians are not his first stop on that route.
02Hoping for a longer visitPaul says he may stay with them, or even spend the winter there. He does not want only a passing visit.
Explanation
Paul says he may stay with them, or even spend the winter there. He does not want only a passing visit. He hopes for time with them that is long enough to matter. He also says they may send him on his journey, showing that this visit connects with further travel and support.
03If the Lord permitsAlthough Paul shares real plans, he does not speak as though everything depends only on him.
Explanation
Although Paul shares real plans, he does not speak as though everything depends only on him. He says he hopes to stay a while with them, if the Lord permits. That small phrase shows humility. His intentions are sincere, yet he recognises that the Lord rules over whether those intentions happen.
04Staying in Ephesus for open workPaul says he will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door has opened to him.
Explanation
Paul says he will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost because a great and effective door has opened to him. The image of an open door points to a real opportunity for his work. He also says there are many adversaries, so open opportunity does not mean an easy situation.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01Why does Paul not want to see the Corinthians only ‘now in passing’?
Look at how he contrasts a brief stop with his hope to ‘stay a while’ and perhaps even winter with them.
02What does ‘if the Lord permits’ add to Paul’s travel plans?
It shows that Paul makes plans, yet he speaks as someone who knows those plans finally depend on the Lord.
03What two things does Paul say about his work in Ephesus?
Notice that he describes both a ‘great and effective door’ and ‘many adversaries’.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 16:5–9
5I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
6But with you it may be that I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that you may send me on my journey wherever I go.
7For I do not wish to see you now in passing, but I hope to stay a while with you, if the Lord permits.
8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost,
9for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.