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, and the note on that place.