Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:7

"For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit." — 1 Corinthians 16:7 (ASV)

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 (1 Corinthians 16:5). Greek, "I hope to remain with you a little while."

If the Lord permit. The apostle did not use the language of certainty and of confidence. He felt his dependence on God and regarded all as under his direction. See the same form of expression in 1 Corinthians 4:19.