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.

For {G1063} Paul {G3972} had determined {G2919} to sail by {G3896} Ephesus {G2181}, because {G3704} he {G846} would {G1096} not {G3361} spend the time {G5551} in {G1722} Asia {G773}: for {G1063} he hasted {G4692}, if {G1487} it were {G2258} possible {G1415} for him {G846}, to be {G1096} at {G1519} Jerusalem {G2414} the day {G2250} of Pentecost {G4005}.

For Sha’ul had decided to bypass Ephesus on his voyage, in order to avoid losing time in the province of Asia, because he was hurrying to get to Yerushalayim, if possible in time to celebrate Shavu‘ot.

Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Acts 20:16 captures a strategic moment in the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, highlighting his deliberate travel plans and urgent sense of purpose. As he neared the end of this extensive journey, Paul made a conscious decision to bypass a direct visit to Ephesus, a city where he had previously spent considerable time and established a thriving church.

Historical and Cultural Context

Paul was on his way back to Jerusalem from Macedonia and Greece, intending to sail for Syria. Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and a major hub for trade, culture, and pagan worship. Paul had spent over two years ministering powerfully in Ephesus (and even three years according to his later farewell), establishing a strong Christian community. His decision to "sail by Ephesus" was not to avoid the church or its challenges, but to save time. He was "hasted" to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost, a significant Jewish festival fifty days after Passover, which also held profound meaning for Christians as the day the Holy Spirit descended (Acts 2:1-4). Being in Jerusalem for such a festival would present opportunities for evangelism and fellowship, and possibly to deliver the collection for the poor saints there, as he mentions in Romans 15:25-26.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Urgency and Purpose: Paul's haste reveals a strong sense of divine timing and purpose. He had a clear goal and was determined to meet it, prioritizing his mission over lingering in familiar places. This urgency was often a hallmark of Paul's ministry.
  • Strategic Travel and Time Management: The verse demonstrates Paul's strategic planning. He avoided a time-consuming stop in Ephesus knowing that a direct visit would inevitably involve lengthy meetings and ministry, which would delay his arrival in Jerusalem. This strategic decision allowed him to save time while still providing an opportunity to meet with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, a nearby port city.
  • Significance of Pentecost: Paul's desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost underscores the ongoing importance of Jewish festivals for early Christians, not just as cultural events, but as opportunities to proclaim Christ and gather with believers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV word "hasted" comes from the Greek verb speudō (σπεύδω), which implies not just physical speed but also eagerness, earnestness, and a sense of pressing forward. It conveys Paul's deep desire and resolve to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. The phrase "determined to sail by" translates the Greek krinō (κρίνω), meaning to decide or resolve, indicating a firm and deliberate choice made by Paul.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. Paul's example highlights the importance of:

  • Prioritization: We must discern and prioritize our commitments, especially in ministry or service, to achieve our goals effectively.
  • Strategic Planning: Effective time management and thoughtful planning are crucial for fulfilling divine purposes and maximizing our impact.
  • Balancing Relationships and Mission: While Paul bypassed Ephesus to save time, he still ensured a farewell meeting with the Ephesian elders, demonstrating that strategic efficiency does not negate the importance of personal relationships and pastoral care. This determination also foreshadows his unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem despite later warnings of imprisonment, as seen in Acts 21:4 and Acts 21:11-14.

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.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:8

    But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

  • Acts 2:1

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

  • Acts 19:21

    ¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

  • Acts 18:19

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

  • Romans 15:24

    Whensoever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you: for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way thitherward by you, if first I be somewhat filled with your [company].

  • Romans 15:28

    When therefore I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

  • Acts 20:22

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

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