1 Corinthians 16:8

KJV

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} I will tarry {G1961} at {G1722} Ephesus {G2181} until {G2193} Pentecost {G4005}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I will remain in Ephesus until Shavu‘ot,

Berean Standard Bible

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

American Standard Version

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Paul informs the Corinthian church of his intention to remain in Ephesus for an extended period, specifically until the Jewish festival of Pentecost. This decision, though delaying his anticipated visit to Corinth, underscores his strategic approach to ministry, prioritizing the significant opportunities for evangelism and church strengthening that were present in Ephesus at that time, even amidst considerable opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding remarks of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, specifically within a section (1 Corinthians 16:5-12) where he outlines his travel plans and provides updates on his itinerary. Having addressed numerous doctrinal and practical issues throughout the letter, Paul now turns to personal matters, including his future movements and the anticipated visits of himself and others (like Timothy and Apollos). His statement about remaining in Ephesus directly precedes his explanation in [1 Corinthians 16:9](/1_corinthians/16-9 "1 Corinthians 16:9 - Open Door for Ministry") that "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries," providing the rationale for his decision to extend his stay. This immediate context highlights Paul's strategic thinking and his responsiveness to divine opportunities, even amidst opposition.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote 1 Corinthians from Ephesus during his third missionary journey, likely around 55-56 AD. Ephesus was a prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, serving as a major commercial and religious hub. It was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, making it a center of pagan worship and a challenging environment for Christian evangelism. Paul's ministry in Ephesus, as recounted in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"), was extensive and impactful, lasting over two years. The festival of Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals (alongside Passover and Sukkot) when Jews from across the Roman Empire would travel to Jerusalem. For Paul, a former Pharisee, this festival would have held deep significance, and its timing would have presented unique opportunities for evangelism, as large numbers of people would be gathered or traveling.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" contributes to several overarching themes in 1 Corinthians and his broader ministry. Firstly, it exemplifies **Strategic Ministry Planning**, demonstrating Paul's methodical and discerning approach to his apostolic work. He did not operate haphazardly but made calculated decisions about where and when to invest his time and efforts, often guided by spiritual discernment and the recognition of "open doors" for the Gospel, as seen in [Colossians 4:3](/colossians/4-3 "Colossians 4:3 - Prayer for Open Doors"). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Timing and Opportunity**, as Paul recognized Ephesus as a vital center for spreading the Gospel throughout Asia Minor and seized the opportune moment to maximize his impact there. Finally, the verse highlights **Ephesus as a Ministry Hub**, emphasizing its strategic importance as a significant center for early Christian evangelism and church planting, from which the message could radiate to the surrounding regions, as described in [Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - The Word Spread from Ephesus").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tarry (Greek, _epiménō'_):** Derived from _epi_ (upon, over) and _menō_ (to remain, abide), this verb signifies to "stay over," "continue," or "persevere." In this context, it indicates Paul's deliberate decision to extend his stay in Ephesus beyond a casual visit, implying a sustained commitment to his work there. It suggests a purposeful, prolonged presence rather than a fleeting stop.
* **Ephesus (Greek, _Éphesos'_):** This refers to the prominent city in the Roman province of Asia, located on the Aegean coast. As a major port city and religious center, Ephesus was strategically important for the spread of the Gospel. Paul's extended ministry here, as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"), led to significant growth of the church and widespread evangelism throughout the region.
* **Pentecost (Greek, _pentēkostḗ'_):** Meaning "fiftieth," this term refers to the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals, drawing Jews and proselytes from across the Roman world to Jerusalem. For Paul, remaining until this festival likely presented both practical opportunities for meeting fellow believers or leaders, and strategic evangelistic opportunities due to the large gatherings and increased travel associated with the feast.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I will tarry at Ephesus":** This clause reveals Paul's immediate travel plans, indicating a change or clarification from a previous expectation or desire. The conjunction "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as an adversative or continuative particle, suggesting a contrast to the Corinthians' expectation of his prompt arrival or to his own desire to visit them sooner. His decision to "tarry" (G1961, _epiménō_) emphasizes a deliberate, extended stay in Ephesus, highlighting his commitment to the ongoing ministry there.
* **"until Pentecost."**: This phrase specifies the duration of Paul's intended stay in Ephesus, setting a clear timeframe. Pentecost (G4005, _pentēkostḗ_), a significant Jewish festival, serves as a temporal marker. This indicates Paul's strategic planning, aligning his ministry schedule with a period that would likely offer heightened opportunities for evangelism, teaching, or connecting with a broader network of believers or visitors.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, while seemingly a straightforward statement of itinerary, subtly employs several literary devices. The initial "But" (G1161, _dé_) serves as a mild **Adversative Conjunction**, implying a contrast or a slight redirection from an assumed or desired course of action (e.g., visiting Corinth sooner). This sets up a subtle **Juxtaposition** between the Corinthians' expectation and Paul's divinely guided decision. Furthermore, the mention of "Pentecost" functions as a form of **Allusion** and **Symbolism**. For Paul's original Jewish and Gentile audiences, "Pentecost" would have immediately evoked the significant Jewish festival, carrying connotations of harvest, covenant renewal, and later, for Christians, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This specific temporal marker underscores Paul's **Pragmatism** and **Foresight** in ministry, as he strategically times his movements to leverage periods of high spiritual and social activity for the advancement of the Gospel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, as stated in [1 Corinthians 16:8](/1_corinthians/16-8 "1 Corinthians 16:8 - Paul's Strategic Stay in Ephesus"), profoundly illustrates the intersection of divine providence and human strategic planning in apostolic ministry. It reveals a servant of God who is deeply committed to maximizing evangelistic opportunities, even if it means delaying personal desires or the expectations of others. Paul's responsiveness to the "great door and effectual" mentioned in the subsequent verse ([1 Corinthians 16:9](/1_corinthians/16-9 "1 Corinthians 16:9 - Open Door for Ministry")) demonstrates a profound theological conviction that God opens doors for ministry, and believers are called to walk through them with diligence and perseverance, even in the face of significant opposition. This highlights the importance of discerning God's timing and strategic placement for effective Kingdom work.

* [Acts 19:8-10](/acts/19-8-10 "Acts 19:8-10 - Paul's Extended Ministry in Ephesus") - Describes Paul's extended and fruitful ministry in Ephesus, from which the word of the Lord spread throughout Asia.
* [Colossians 4:3](/colossians/4-3 "Colossians 4:3 - Prayer for Open Doors") - Paul's appeal for prayer for "a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ," reflecting his constant awareness of divine opportunities.
* [Revelation 3:8](/revelation/3-8 "Revelation 3:8 - The Open Door in Philadelphia") - Christ's promise to the church in Philadelphia of an "open door, and no man can shut it," echoing the theme of divine opportunities for ministry.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's strategic decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" offers a powerful model for contemporary believers and ministries. It challenges us to move beyond mere spontaneity in our service and to cultivate a posture of thoughtful discernment, seeking God's timing and strategic placement for our gifts and efforts. Like Paul, we are called to be sensitive to the "open doors" that God provides, recognizing that seasons of intense spiritual opportunity may require prolonged commitment and perseverance, even when faced with "many adversaries." This verse reminds us that effective ministry is not just about doing good things, but about doing the right things, in the right place, at the right time, according to God's leading. It encourages us to prioritize the advancement of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church, adapting our plans to best serve God's purposes, and trusting that His timing is always perfect for maximizing impact.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to "tarry" or extend my commitment in a particular area of ministry or service, even if it means delaying other plans?**
* **How can I better discern and leverage the "open doors" for ministry that God is presenting in my life or community?**
* **What "adversaries" or challenges am I currently facing in my efforts to serve God, and how can Paul's example of perseverance encourage me?**
* **In what ways can I become more strategic and intentional in my spiritual life and service, aligning my actions with God's timing and purposes?**

### FAQ
**Why did Paul choose to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost?**

Answer: Paul's decision to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost was a strategic one, driven by the significant opportunities for ministry present in the city. As he explains in the very next verse, [1 Corinthians 16:9](/1_corinthians/16-9 "1 Corinthians 16:9 - Open Door for Ministry"), "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries." This indicates that Ephesus was a fertile ground for evangelism and church planting, even amidst opposition. Pentecost, a major Jewish festival, would also draw large crowds, potentially creating further opportunities for sharing the Gospel or connecting with other believers and leaders who might be traveling for the feast. Paul prioritized the advancement of the Gospel over his personal desire to visit Corinth sooner.

**What is the significance of "Pentecost" in this context?**

Answer: In this context, "Pentecost" refers to the Jewish Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), celebrated fifty days after Passover. It was one of the three annual pilgrimage festivals when Jews from across the Roman Empire would travel to Jerusalem. For Paul, this timing was significant because such festivals often brought together large numbers of people, creating a natural audience for evangelism. While the Christian significance of Pentecost (the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, as described in [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")) had already occurred, Paul's reference here primarily uses it as a well-understood temporal marker for his audience, indicating a period of heightened activity and potential for ministry.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's strategic decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" beautifully echoes and extends the Christ-centered mission of the early church. Just as Jesus Himself operated with divine timing and purpose, strategically choosing where to minister and when to reveal Himself (e.g., [John 7:6](/john/7-6 "John 7:6 - Jesus' Timing")), Paul, as an apostle of Christ, emulated this intentionality. His extended stay in Ephesus, a city steeped in paganism, demonstrates the Spirit-empowered commitment to expanding the Kingdom of God to all nations, a mission initiated by Christ (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). Furthermore, the mention of "Pentecost" subtly points to the very foundation of the Church's global mission: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost ([Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "Acts 2:1-4 - The Day of Pentecost")), which empowered believers to boldly proclaim the Gospel and establish communities of faith. Paul's ministry in Ephesus, therefore, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's promise to build His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")) and to send His Spirit to empower His witnesses ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Paul's strategic patience was not merely human planning but a Spirit-led alignment with Christ's ongoing work of redemption and church building in the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 2:1

¶ And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Exodus 23:16

And the feast of harvest, the firstfruits of thy labours, which thou hast sown in the field: and the feast of ingathering, [which is] in the end of the year, when thou hast gathered in thy labours out of the field.

Acts 18:19

And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

1 Corinthians 15:32

If after the manner of men I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantageth it me, if the dead rise not? let us eat and drink; for to morrow we die.

Leviticus 23:15

¶ And ye shall count unto you from the morrow after the sabbath, from the day that ye brought the sheaf of the wave offering; seven sabbaths shall be complete:

Leviticus 23:21

And ye shall proclaim on the selfsame day, [that] it may be an holy convocation unto you: ye shall do no servile work [therein: it shall be] a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.