Acts 18:21

KJV

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G235} bade {G657} them {G846} farewell {G657}, saying {G2036}, I {G3165} must {G1163} by all means {G3843} keep {G4160} this feast {G1859} that cometh {G2064} in {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414}: but {G1161} I will return {G344} again {G3825} unto {G4314} you {G5209}, if God {G2316} will {G2309}. And {G2532} he sailed {G321} from {G575} Ephesus {G2181}.

Complete Jewish Bible

however, in his farewell he said, “God willing, I will come back to you.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Berean Standard Bible

But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.

American Standard Version

but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 18:21 encapsulates a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, revealing his immediate travel intentions, his continued adherence to Jewish custom, and, most profoundly, his deep-seated reliance on God's sovereign will. As he concludes his impactful ministry in Ephesus, Paul articulates a clear plan to visit Jerusalem for an upcoming feast, yet he tempers this intention with a humble acknowledgment that his return to Ephesus, and indeed all future endeavors, are entirely contingent upon the divine will. This verse serves as a powerful testament to Paul's balanced approach to ministry: diligent planning coupled with absolute submission to God's providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears at a crucial juncture in Paul's second missionary journey, specifically after his significant and fruitful ministry in Corinth and his initial, brief engagement with the synagogue in Ephesus. Having sailed from Cenchreae, where he cut his hair in fulfillment of a vow (likely a Nazirite vow, though the text is concise), Paul arrived in Ephesus with Priscilla and Aquila. He immediately went into the synagogue to reason with the Jews. Despite their desire for him to stay longer and continue teaching, Paul felt compelled to depart, stating his intention to observe an upcoming feast in Jerusalem. His departure from Ephesus in this verse marks the conclusion of this major leg of his journey, setting the stage for his return to Antioch and the subsequent launch of his third missionary journey, which would notably include a more extended ministry in Ephesus (as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's mention of keeping "this feast that cometh in Jerusalem" strongly suggests he intended to observe one of the major annual Jewish festivals, such as Passover, Pentecost, or Tabernacles. Jerusalem was the spiritual epicenter of Judaism, and these feasts drew Jews and Jewish Christians from across the Roman Empire. For Paul, attending such a feast was not merely a religious obligation but likely a strategic opportunity. It allowed him to maintain ties with the Jerusalem church, report on his missionary progress among the Gentiles, and potentially deliver financial aid to the impoverished believers there, as he would later do (cf. [Acts 24:17](/acts/24-17 "Acts 24:17 - Paul's Alms and Offerings")). This demonstrates Paul's complex identity as both an apostle to the Gentiles and a devout Jew who respected his heritage and the traditions of his people, even as he championed freedom from the Mosaic Law for Gentile converts.
* **Key Themes:** Acts 18:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Acts and Pauline theology. It highlights Paul's **strategic planning in ministry**, showing him to be a meticulous organizer of his missionary efforts, always with a clear destination and purpose. However, this planning is consistently held in tension with the theme of **submission to divine will**. The phrase "if God will" (Greek: _ean theos thele_) is a profound expression of Paul's humility and absolute dependence on God's providence, a recurring motif that underscores the Holy Spirit's guidance in the early church's expansion (e.g., [Acts 16:6-10](/acts/16-6-10 "Acts 16:6-10 - The Macedonian Call")). Furthermore, Paul's intention to attend the feast subtly reinforces the theme of **continuity with Jewish heritage** within the nascent Christian movement, even as it embraced Gentiles. This balance reflects the complex relationship between Judaism and Christianity in the apostolic era, where the gospel was preached "to the Jew first, and also to the Greek" ([Romans 1:16](/romans/1-16 "Romans 1:16 - The Gospel for All")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **must (Greek, _deî'_):** This impersonal verb signifies a divine necessity or obligation. It indicates that Paul felt a compelling, divinely imposed requirement to go to Jerusalem. It's not merely a personal preference but a sense of what "behoved" or "ought" to be done, implying a spiritual imperative guiding his actions.
* **feast (Greek, _heortḗ'_):** This term refers to a religious festival or holy day, specifically one of the major annual Jewish celebrations. Paul's intention to "keep this feast" underscores his continued connection to Jewish customs and the importance of these observances within the broader religious landscape of the time, even for an apostle primarily focused on Gentile evangelism.
* **will (Greek, _thélō'_):** In the phrase "if God will," this verb denotes a deliberate choice, intention, or desire. It signifies God's active option and subjective impulse, emphasizing His sovereign prerogative to determine outcomes. Paul's use of this word highlights his recognition that his plans are subject to God's ultimate decision and permission.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But bade them farewell, saying,"**: Paul courteously takes leave of the Ephesian believers, indicating a formal and perhaps regretful departure given their desire for him to stay. The participle "saying" introduces his explanation for his immediate departure and his future intentions.
* **"I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem:"**: This clause reveals Paul's immediate and pressing reason for leaving Ephesus. The phrase "by all means" (Greek: _pántōs_) emphasizes the strong conviction or necessity he felt to observe this particular feast in Jerusalem. This commitment likely stemmed from a combination of personal piety, strategic ministry objectives, and perhaps a divine leading.
* **"but I will return again unto you, if God will."**: This is the theological heart of the verse. Paul expresses a clear intention to return to Ephesus, demonstrating his affection for the community and his desire to continue his ministry there. However, this intention is immediately qualified by the crucial phrase "if God will," which serves as a profound theological disclaimer, placing all future plans under the umbrella of divine sovereignty.
* **"And he sailed from Ephesus."**: This final, concise statement records the immediate action Paul took, confirming his departure from the city as stated in the preceding clauses. It brings the narrative of his time in Ephesus to a close for this particular visit.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning. **Juxtaposition** is evident in the contrast between Paul's firm intention ("I must by all means keep this feast") and his humble submission ("if God will"). This highlights the tension between human agency and divine sovereignty, a recurring theme in biblical narratives. The phrase "if God will" functions as a form of **ellipsis** or **abbreviated expression**, implying a fuller thought such as "if God wills it to happen" or "if it is God's will for me to return." This concise phrasing carries significant theological weight. Furthermore, the entire statement can be seen as an example of **Pauline humility** and **theological clarity**, characteristic of his epistles and speeches. His words are not merely a polite idiom but a deeply ingrained theological principle that shapes his life and ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 18:21 profoundly illustrates the biblical principle of divine sovereignty over human plans. Paul, despite his clear intentions and strategic thinking, consistently subjected his will to God's ultimate authority. This attitude is a hallmark of true biblical faith, recognizing that while humans are responsible for making plans, the execution and outcome of those plans are entirely dependent on the Lord's permission and guidance. This concept is not unique to Paul but is a pervasive theme throughout Scripture, reminding believers that life, breath, and all future endeavors are gifts from God and subject to His purposes. It cultivates a posture of humility and trust, fostering reliance on God's wisdom rather than human foresight alone.

* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - If the Lord Wills")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [1 Corinthians 4:19](/1-corinthians/4-19 "1 Corinthians 4:19 - Paul's Return, If the Lord Wills")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's simple yet profound statement in Acts 18:21 offers timeless guidance for believers navigating their own lives and ministries. It teaches us the crucial balance between diligent planning and absolute reliance on God's sovereignty. While we are called to be good stewards of our time, talents, and opportunities, making wise plans and setting goals, we must always hold these intentions with an open hand, recognizing that our lives are not solely our own. This posture cultivates profound humility, reminding us that our paths are ultimately directed by a sovereign God who works all things according to His perfect will. When our plans are interrupted, delayed, or even completely changed, we can find peace and trust in the knowledge that God is orchestrating events for His good purposes, often beyond our immediate comprehension. This verse challenges us to move beyond a superficial acknowledgment of God's will to a deep, transformative trust that shapes every decision and aspiration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's "if God will" challenge my own planning and goal-setting?**
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to make plans without truly submitting them to God's will?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God's providence in my daily life?**
* **What does it mean to "hold my plans loosely" in practical terms?**

### FAQ
**Why was it so important for Paul to attend this feast in Jerusalem?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state the reason, Paul's commitment to attending the feast in Jerusalem likely stemmed from a combination of factors. As a devout Jew and the Apostle to the Gentiles, he maintained strong ties to his heritage and the mother church in Jerusalem. Attending a major feast would have allowed him to connect with Jewish Christians from various regions, report on the progress of the Gentile mission, and possibly deliver the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, a practice he emphasizes in his epistles (e.g., [Romans 15:25-27](/romans/15-25-27 "Romans 15:25-27 - Paul's Collection for Jerusalem")). It also served to demonstrate the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers within the nascent Christian movement.

**What is the significance of the phrase "if God will"?**

Answer: The phrase "if God will" (Greek: _ean theos thele_) is far more than a polite idiom; it is a profound theological statement affirming God's ultimate control over all circumstances and the future. It reflects Paul's deep humility and absolute dependence on divine providence. This sentiment is echoed elsewhere in Scripture, notably in [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "James 4:13-15 - If the Lord Wills"), where believers are admonished against presumptuous planning without acknowledging God's sovereignty. It teaches that human plans are always subordinate to God's perfect will and that true wisdom lies in aligning our desires and actions with His.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 18:21, with Paul's humble submission to God's will, finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect example in the person of Jesus Christ. While Paul models a life lived in dependence on divine providence, Christ Himself perfectly embodied this principle, consistently declaring that His mission and actions were entirely in submission to the Father's will. From His earliest recorded words, "Did you not know that I must be in My Father’s house?" ([Luke 2:49](/luke/2-49 "Luke 2:49 - Jesus in the Temple")), to His agonizing prayer in Gethsemane, "not My will, but Yours be done" ([Luke 22:42](/luke/22-42 "Luke 22:42 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")), Jesus lived a life of perfect obedience and complete reliance on the Father's plan. Paul's "if God will" reflects the very heart of Christ's incarnate life—a life lived in perfect alignment with divine purpose, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, which were all according to the "definite plan and foreknowledge of God" ([Acts 2:23](/acts/2-23 "Acts 2:23 - Peter's Sermon at Pentecost")). Thus, Paul's statement is not merely a personal expression of faith but a reflection of the Christ-like posture of absolute surrender to the sovereign Lord, who orchestrates all things for His glory and the redemption of humanity.

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

1 Corinthians 4:19

But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.

Romans 15:32

That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.

James 4:15

For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

Hebrews 6:3

And this will we do, if God permit.

Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Acts 20:16

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Philippians 2:19

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.