For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits.
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.
Commenting on 1 Corinthians 16:5-9
For I will not see you now by the way,.... Just to look upon them, and be gone, be like a wayfaring man that tarries but for a night: but I trust to tarry a while with you; the whole winter season: if the Lord permit; submitting all to the will of God, at whose sovereign disposal he always was, and at whose beck and...
Verse 7. For I will not see you now by the way. On the way to Macedonia. Something had occurred to change his mind, and to induce him to go to Macedonia by another way. But I trust to tarry a while with you. That is, on my return from Macedonia, . Greek, "I hope to remain with you a little while." If the Lord permit.