I Corinthians 16:6 · Bible study
1 Corinthians 16:6 Commentary: What Does 'Send Me on My Journey' Mean?
Greek · 8 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
Paul's request to be sent on his journey reveals early Christian partnership: financial support, personal accompaniment, and mutual commitment to the mission.
Research Summary
- Meaning: Paul states his intention to possibly winter in Corinth so that the church can equip him for onward travel, reflecting partnership in mission.
- Key words: παραμένω (remain beside), παραχειμάζω (to winter), προπέμπω (help on the way, equip for journey).
- Main debate: Whether 'send me on my journey' refers only to financial support or also to personal accompaniment; most commentators see both.
- Theological theme: Partnership in the gospel, the local church actively participates in the missionary's work through hospitality, resources, and sending.
- Best use: Preaching or teaching on missions, partnership, planning in faith, and the concrete ways a congregation supports itinerant ministry.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go.
WEB World English Bible 2000
But 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.
KJV King James Version 1769
And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
but with you it may be that I shall abide, or even winter, that ye may set me forward on my journey whithersoever I go.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
and with you, it may be, I will abide, or even winter, that ye may send me forward whithersoever I go,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
But perhaps I will stay with you, or even winter with you, that ye may set me forward wheresoever I may go.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
And with you perhaps I shall abide, or even spend the winter: that you may bring me on my way whithersoever I shall go.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y podrá ser que me quede con vosotros, ó invernaré también, para que vosotros me llevéis á donde hubiere de ir.
E pode ser que eu fique um tempo convosco ou também passar o inverno, para que me envieis para onde quer que eu for.
Peut-être séjournerai-je auprès de vous, ou même y passerai-je l’ hiver, afin que vous m’ accompagniez là où je me rendrai.
Bei euch aber werde ich vielleicht bleiben oder auch überwintern, auf daß ihr mich geleitet, wo ich hin ziehen werde.
En ik zal mogelijk bij u blijven, of ook overwinteren, opdat gij mij moogt geleiden, waar ik zal henenreizen.
perché passerò per la Macedonia; ma da voi forse mi fermerò alquanto, ovvero anche passerò l’inverno, affinché voi mi facciate proseguire per dove mi recherò.
A podobno zamieszkam u was albo i przezimuję, abyście wy mię odprowadzili, kędykolwiek pójdę.
У вас же, может быть, поживу, или и перезимую, чтобы вы меня проводили, куда пойду.
或者 和你們 同 住幾時，或者 也 過冬。無論我 往哪裡 去，你們 就 可以給我 送行。
But I may be with you for a time, or even for the winter, so that you may see me on my way, wherever I go.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Koine Greek)
New Testament · Koine Greek · I Corinthians 16:6
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Commentators agree that Paul's phrase 'send me on my journey' (προπέμψητε) carries a dual meaning. Clarke notes that churches often 'paid his expenses to other churches'. Barnes adds that it was 'customary for the apostles to be attended by some members of the churches'. The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges points out that προπέμπω is 'the recognized word for helping forward on a journey or a mission', citing Acts 15:3 and Romans 15:24. Gill combines both: 'both by accompanying him in person themselves... and by providing things necessary.' Paul's tentative language (τυχόν, 'possibly') shows his dependence on God's leading, as he clarifies in verse 7: 'if the Lord permits.' Together these elements reveal a pattern of shared ministry where the congregation actively participated in the missionary's sending.
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Low
What is clear: Paul planned to winter in Corinth and requested the church's help for onward travel, which involved both material support and personal accompaniment.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Nature of 'send me on my journey' | The Greek προπέμπω includes both providing financial/material support and personal accompaniment or escort. | Some emphasize financial provision more strongly (Clarke), while others highlight the personal/fellowship aspect (Barnes, Gill). |
| Paul's certainty about his plans | Paul's language is tentative ('it may be', 'if the Lord permits'), showing submission to God's will. | There is no debate; this is universally understood as humility, not indecision. |
| The role of the local church in missions | The congregation participates in the sending process, not just the ministry itself. | Traditions vary on how much structure or budgeting this implies, but all affirm the principle of active partnership. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul writes from Ephesus, where a 'great and effective door' is open for ministry despite many adversaries (1 Cor 16:9). He plans to pass through Macedonia and then to Corinth, with the possibility of staying through the winter. Sea travel in the Mediterranean largely shut down between November and March; wintering in Corinth would allow Paul to avoid dangerous voyages and invest sustained time in the congregation. The Greek verb παραχειμάσω ('I will winter') appears elsewhere when ships shelter in ports (Acts 27:12; 28:11), reinforcing the practical reality.
The practice of 'sending on a journey' (προπέμπω) was a well-established custom. Local churches provided escorts, provisions, and financial assistance for traveling missionaries. Acts 15:3 shows the Jerusalem church sending Barnabas and Saul on their way; Romans 15:24 has Paul hoping the Romans will 'help me on my way' to Spain. Paul also expects the Corinthians to send Timothy forward in peace (1 Cor 16:11). The pronoun 'you yourselves' (ὑμεῖς) is emphatic in Greek, underscoring the Corinthians' personal involvement in Paul's mission. They are not passive recipients of ministry but active partners. The journey Paul had in mind was likely to Jerusalem (2 Cor 1:16), but he leaves it open: 'wherever I go.'
Paul's tentative language (τυχόν, 'possibly') is not indecision but dependence on God's will, as he explicitly states in verse 7: 'if the Lord permits.' This echoes James 4:15 and reflects pastoral humility that submits travel plans to divine direction. Corinth's location as a commercial hub on the isthmus made it a natural stop for travelers, and Paul's extended stay would strengthen the fractured church he had founded.
Textual Notes
The consulted sources note no significant textual variants for this verse. The Greek text is stable across key manuscripts, and the rendering 'send me on my journey' (προπέμψητε) is uncontested.
Reception History
This verse has been cited in discussions of missionary support throughout church history. Early patristic commentators, such as John Chrysostom, highlighted Paul's humility in submitting his travel plans to God's will and the congregation's duty to provide for those who minister. During the Reformation, Protestant commentators used the verse to argue for the church's responsibility to sustain pastors and missionaries. In modern missions movements, 1 Corinthians 16:6 has been a proof-text for sending agencies, emphasizing that sending is a communal act, not an individual one. The verse also appears in hymns and liturgy focused on the sending of ministers and the fellowship of the gospel.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- Tentative plans, confident dependence, Paul's 'it may be' shows submission to God's will. His planning is not hesitation but faith expressing itself in practical wisdom.
- Partnership in the gospel, The Corinthians are called to send him forward, providing both resources and companionship. Mission is a shared work, not an individual task.
- A vision for the journey, 'Wherever I go' leaves the destination open. Paul's focus is on the mission itself, not on controlling the route.
Five-point outline
- The heart of a shepherd, Paul wants to 'stay a while' (v.7), not just pass through. He longs to build into the church.
- The practicalities of ministry, Wintering reflects real constraints of weather and travel. Faith works with practical realities.
- The partnership of God's people, 'Send me on my journey' involves both escort and provision. Every believer can participate.
- The flexibility of faith, 'If the Lord permits' is the condition for all planning. God's will shapes every itinerary.
- The unity of the mission, 'Wherever I go' ties the local church to Paul's wider apostolic work. One mission, many partners.
Illustration hooks
- A church sending a short-term team with packed supplies and a send-off meal, tangibly 'sending forward'.
- Hosting a traveling speaker for a season, the extended visit builds deeper relationships than a one-off appearance.
- Missions budget where the congregation designates funds for travel and needs of missionaries, an ongoing act of ‘sending forward’.
Questions your congregation is asking
- How do I balance making plans with trusting God's timing?
- What does it look like to 'send forward' missionaries today?
- How can I be more involved in the practical needs of those in ministry?
Leading a Discussion
Paul's travel plans may seem like a small detail, but they open a window into early Christian partnership. The word 'send me on my journey' (προπέμψητε) carried weight: it meant providing escorts, money, and supplies. As you discuss this passage, consider how your small group or church community supports those who serve beyond your own walls.
Discussion questions
- What does Paul's language 'it may be' and 'if the Lord permits' teach about how Christians should plan for the future?
- Look at the cross-references (Acts 15:3; 20:38; 21:5; Rom 15:24; 1 Cor 16:11). What patterns do you see in how early Christians 'sent forward' their leaders and missionaries?
- Why does Paul emphasize 'you yourselves' (ὑμεῖς) in the Greek? What difference does personal involvement make?
- In our context, what are ways we can 'send forward' people in ministry? Think of support beyond money.
- Paul was willing to stay longer than planned because of a door of opportunity and many adversaries (v.9). How do trials and opportunities shape ministry decisions?
- How does this verse challenge the idea that mission is only for professionals? What is the role of every believer?
- Share one step you could take this week to better 'send forward' someone involved in gospel work, whether locally or globally.
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Acts 15:3 | They, being sent on their way by the assembly, passed through both Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles. They caused great joy to all the brothers. |
| Acts 17:15 | But those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens. Receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy that they should come to him very quickly, they departed. |
| Acts 20:38 | sorrowing most of all because of the word which he had spoken, that they should see his face no more. Then they accompanied him to the ship. |
| Acts 21:5 | When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. |
| Acts 27:12 | Because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised going to sea from there, if by any means they could reach Phoenix and winter there, which is a port of Crete, looking southwest and northwest. |
| Acts 28:11 | After three months, we set sail in a ship of Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.” |
| Romans 15:24 | whenever I travel to Spain, I will come to you. For I hope to see you on my journey, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. |
| I Corinthians 16:11 | Therefore let no one despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
7 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke focuses on the phrase about the Corinthians helping Paul on his journey. He reads it as their providing the financial means for his travel, noting that churches often covered his expenses between destinations. When they did not, Paul supported himself by working at his trade.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes explains that the phrase "bring me on my journey" means practical help and companionship for travel, not merely a farewell. He notes it was customary for apostles to be accompanied by church members, and that Paul would value their aid and company wherever he went.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
The commentator notes Paul's cautious wording, preferring "I shall abide" over a firm promise, since Acts 20:3 shows Paul later fulfilling this intention. He also explains that "bring me on my journey" means to send someone forward with help, a common phrase for assisting a traveler or missionary onward.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note draws attention to Paul's modest and uncertain language: he writes "it may be" and "or winter," showing that even an apostle does not presume to know his future. Rather than asserting his plans, Paul speaks with a holy caution, leaving room for God's direction in all his travels.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights Paul's uncertainty about his travel plans as genuine openness to God's providence, not indecision. He explains that "winter with you" likely means staying three months, and "bring me on my journey" involves both honoring Paul with their presence and supplying what he needs for the road.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
JFB calculates Paul's three winter months in Corinth as December, January, and February, based on the timing of his departure about a month before Passover. The comment highlights that Paul's travel plans to Judea were not yet fixed.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Matthew Henry highlights the pastoral love behind Paul's travel plans: a minister who has worked long and fruitfully among a people naturally longs to stay with them again. Even though some in Corinth treated Paul with disrespect, his desire to winter there shows his hope of restoring what was out of order, not merely passing through.