John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:5

"But I will come unto you, when I shall have passed through Macedonia; for I pass through Macedonia;" — 1 Corinthians 16:5 (ASV)

When I shall pass through Macedonia. The common opinion is that this epistle was sent from Philippi. People coming from there to Corinth by land were required to pass through Macedonia, for that colony is situated in the farthest extremity, towards the Emathian mountains. Paul, it is true, might have gone there by sea instead of by land, but he was desirous to visit the Macedonian Churches, so that he might confirm them as he passed through.

So much for the common opinion. To me, however, it appears more probable that the epistle was written at Ephesus, for he says a little afterwards that he will remain there until Pentecost (1 Corinthians 16:8); and he greets the Corinthians not in the name of the Philippians, but of the Asiatics (1 Corinthians 16:19). Besides, in the second epistle, he explicitly states that after he had sent away this epistle, he passed over into Macedonia (2 Corinthians 2:13). Now, after passing through Macedonia, he would be at a distance from Ephesus and in the neighborhood of Achaia. Therefore, I have no doubt that he was at Ephesus at that time; from there he could sail by a direct course to Achaia. Visiting Macedonia required a long detour and a more difficult route. Accordingly, he lets them know that he will not come to them by a direct course, as he needed to go through Macedonia.

To the Corinthians, however, he promises something further—that he would make a longer stay with them. By this, he shows his affection towards them. For what reason did he have for delay, except that he was concerned about their welfare? On the other hand, he lets them know how fully assured he is of their affection towards him in return, by taking it, as it were, for granted that he would be sent on his way by them with kindness; for he says this from confidence in their friendship.

After saying everything, however, he adds this limitation—if the Lord permit. With this reservation, saints should follow up all their plans and deliberations, for it is very rash to undertake and determine many things for the future when we do not even have a moment in our power.

The main thing indeed is that, in the inward disposition of the mind, we submit to God and His providence in whatever we resolve upon. But at the same time, it is fitting that we should accustom ourselves to such forms of expression so that whenever we deal with the future, we may make everything depend on the divine will.