If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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1 Corinthians 16:4
What does 1 Corinthians 16:4 mean?
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1 Corinthians 16:4
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Paul isn't just saying he might visit; he's showing his willingness to go if it's the best thing for the church, even if it means he might not go alone. This subtle phrase "if it seems advisable" reveals a deep humility and a focus on the community's needs above his own personal agenda.
If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, and this verse is part of his travel plans. He's discussing his upcoming visits, mentioning how he might come to them after visiting Macedonia, and then suggesting that if he does, they can provide him with hospitality. The surrounding verses detail his arrangements for collecting offerings for the poor Christians in Jerusalem and his general intentions for visiting various churches.
Paul had big plans, but they weren't set in stone. How did he balance his desires with the needs of others?
Paul’s apostolic journeys were strategic, but not rigid. In 1 Corinthians 16:4, he expresses a willingness to change his plans based on the spiritual health and reception of the Corinthian church.
A Learner's Heart
Paul wasn't dictating terms; he was inviting collaboration. He states, "If it seems advisable that I should go also..." This shows he valued the judgment and peace of the believers in Corinth. His presence wasn't a demand but a potential blessing, contingent on what would best serve them.
Partnership in Mission
His willingness to go "also" suggests he might have had other plans, but he was open to adjusting them. Furthermore, "they will accompany me" implies a team effort. This wasn't a solo mission; Paul relied on and worked alongside others, demonstrating a communal approach to ministry.
How do leaders balance conviction with connection? Paul offers a masterclass in this verse.
This verse reveals a key principle for godly leadership: discerning the right time and way to exercise authority.
Seeking Peace and Growth
Paul’s statement isn't about appeasing everyone, but about seeking what is genuinely advisable for the church's spiritual health. He wanted his visit to be a source of encouragement and strengthening, not division or added burden. This required wisdom to know when his presence would be most beneficial.
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Collaborative Decision-Making
The phrase "they will accompany me" suggests that the decision wasn't solely Paul's. Companions would join him, indicating a shared mission and a practical consideration of resources and support. This reflects a mature understanding that ministry is a team endeavor, and decisions affecting the community should involve wise counsel.
Paul's plans to visit Corinth were contingent on the circumstances and the decisions of others, highlighting the collaborative nature of early church leadership and Paul's reliance on the Holy Spirit and the judgment of the community.
c. AD 49-50
Council of Jerusalem
A significant meeting where early church leaders decided that Gentile believers did not need to follow all Jewish laws, including circumcision. This set a precedent for the inclusion of non-Jews.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spent a substantial amount of time in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, a major city in Asia Minor. This period was foundational for the churches in the region.
c. AD 53-57— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Ephesus
Paul faced significant opposition and was even imprisoned in Ephesus for a time. This challenging period likely fueled his deep pastoral concerns for the churches he had founded.
c. AD 57
Writing of 1 Corinthians
During his lengthy stay in Ephesus, Paul wrote the letter to the Corinthians, likely in response to reports and questions he had received about divisions and issues within their church.
c. AD 57
Plans for a Third Visit to Corinth
Paul had previously planned to visit Corinth but had to postpone it. He was now considering a final visit on his way back from Macedonia, as detailed in this letter.
c. AD 58
Paul's Journey to Macedonia
After leaving Ephesus, Paul traveled through Macedonia, checking on the churches there and continuing to address matters related to the Corinthian believers.
This passage shows Paul sending Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, indicating a pattern of Paul planning his movements with others who would accompany him.
2 Corinthians 8:18Paul mentions sending a brother with Titus who was praised in the gospel throughout all the churches, highlighting how he relied on companions for ministry tasks and travel.
Philippians 2:19Paul expresses his hope to send Timothy to the Philippians soon, showing his reliance on trustworthy individuals to carry out his ministry plans and represent him.
Acts 20:4This verse lists several companions who accompanied Paul on his journey to Asia, illustrating the broader group of believers who would travel with him for support and ministry.
Paul isn't just saying he might visit; he's showing his willingness to go if it's the best thing for the church, even if it means he might not go alone. This subtle phrase "if it seems advisable" reveals a deep humility and a focus on the community's needs above his own personal agenda.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, and this verse is part of his travel plans. He's discussing his upcoming visits, mentioning how he might come to them after visiting Macedonia, and then suggesting that if he does, they can provide him with hospitality. The surrounding verses detail his arrangements for collecting offerings for the poor Christians in Jerusalem and his general intentions for visiting various churches.
Paul is wrapping up his letter to the Corinthians, and this verse is part of his travel plans. He's discussing his upcoming visits, mentioning how he might come to them after visiting Macedonia, and then suggesting that if he does, they can provide him with hospitality. The surrounding verses detail his arrangements for collecting offerings for the poor Christians in Jerusalem and his general intentions for visiting various churches.
"If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me." — Paul isn't just saying he might visit; he's showing his willingness to go if it's the best thing for the church, even if it means he might not go alone. This subtle phrase "if it seems advisable" r…
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Last reviewed October 2026