1 Corinthians 16:8

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

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

But I will remain in Ephesus until Shavu‘ot,

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;

Context

In 1 Corinthians 16:8, Paul is concluding his first letter to the church in Corinth, providing updates on his travel plans and giving final instructions. This verse is part of his discussion about his itinerary, assuring them he intends to visit them after a period. Paul is currently ministering in Ephesus during his third missionary journey, a city where he spent a significant amount of time, establishing and strengthening the local church. His decision to remain there for a specific period indicates strategic planning for his apostolic work.

Key Themes

  • Strategic Ministry Planning: Paul's decision to "tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost" reveals his methodical and strategic approach to ministry. He wasn't simply wandering but making calculated choices about where and when to invest his time and efforts. This foresight was often guided by spiritual discernment, as indicated by the very next verse (1 Corinthians 16:9), which speaks of "a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries."
  • Divine Timing and Opportunity: Paul's extended stay was not arbitrary but tied to a specific spiritual and practical opportunity. He recognized that Ephesus was a vital hub for spreading the Gospel throughout Asia Minor, and he seized the opportune time to maximize his impact there. This aligns with Paul's broader philosophy of seeking open doors for the Gospel.
  • Ephesus as a Ministry Hub: The verse underscores the importance of Ephesus as a significant center for early Christian evangelism and church planting. Paul's prolonged stay there allowed for deep roots to be formed and widespread influence to radiate from the city.

Linguistic Insights

The term "Pentecost" comes from the Greek word Pentēkostē (πεντηκοστή), meaning "fiftieth." It refers to the Jewish "Feast of Weeks" (Shavuot), celebrated 50 days after Passover. This was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals when Jews from all over the Roman world would gather in Jerusalem. Paul's choice to remain until this festival suggests he anticipated a large influx of people, creating significant evangelistic opportunities or allowing him to meet with other church leaders who might be traveling for the feast. For Christians, Pentecost gained profound significance as the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles, marking the birth of the Church.

Practical Application

Paul's example in 1 Corinthians 16:8 offers several lessons for believers today:

  • Discernment in Service: Like Paul, we should seek God's direction and timing for our efforts, discerning where there are open doors for ministry and where our presence can be most effective. This requires prayer and spiritual sensitivity.
  • Leveraging Opportunities: We are called to recognize and utilize strategic moments or gatherings for the advancement of God's kingdom. Paul understood that Pentecost would bring many people, and he planned to be there.
  • Perseverance Despite Opposition: Even though the following verse mentions "many adversaries," Paul chose to stay. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in our callings, even when faced with challenges or spiritual warfare.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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