1Corinthians 16:5-11 Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that you may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worked the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren.
‘For I do pass through Macedonia’ – Paul was at Ephesus when he wrote the epistle and planned to stay there until Pentecost, which would be in June. He would then spend time in Macedonia and perhaps winter with them (1Cor. 16:5-9).
‘For a great door and effectual is opened unto me’ – Christ is the door of the sheep (John 10:7-9) and through Him – who is also the Way, Truth and Life (John 14:6), salvation is granted to enable man to be reconciled with God.
‘For he worked the work of the Lord, as I also do.’ Timothy had apostolic power like Paul (1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). This refers to the gifts and graces of God given to Timothy, enabling him to do the same works that Paul did (16:10; 1Tim. 4:14; 2Tim. 1:6). Such power was given by prophecy and the laying on of hands. The prophecy was some prediction that Timothy would be used of God (1Tim. 1:18; 4:14). Paul warns in 1Timothy 4:14 that gifts can be neglected. If this happens, if they are not properly used or replenished with continued grace and power from the Holy Spirit anointing they will become powerless and useless and thus fail in their purpose. This is why people need a constant supply of the Spirit – many fillings, as we see in Acts. This is why Jesus Himself had to live in constant prayer (Luke 3:21; 5:16; 6:12; 9:18, 28; 11:1; 22:41-44). This is what Paul prayed for and expected in Philippians 1:19 and Ephesians 3:14-21.
‘I look for him with the brethren’ Timothy evidently was to meet Paul in Corinth later.
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