Acts 20:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 20:16 reveals the Apostle Paul's strategic and purposeful travel itinerary during his third missionary journey. As he sailed from Greece towards Jerusalem, Paul made a deliberate decision to bypass a direct visit to Ephesus, a city where he had previously invested significant time and established a thriving church. His haste was driven by a fervent desire to reach Jerusalem in time for the Day of Pentecost, a pivotal Jewish festival with profound significance for the early Christian community, underscoring his disciplined approach to ministry and his commitment to divine timing.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of Paul's final return journey to Jerusalem at the end of his third missionary expedition. Immediately preceding this, Paul had been ministering in Macedonia and Greece, having spent three months in Greece (likely Corinth) before setting sail (Acts 20:1-3). He had planned to sail directly to Syria, but a plot against him by the Jews led him to re-route through Macedonia (Acts 20:3). He is now sailing from Troas, having raised Eutychus from the dead (Acts 20:7-12), and is making his way along the coast of Asia Minor. His decision to bypass Ephesus is significant because it leads directly to the poignant farewell meeting with the Ephesian elders at Miletus (Acts 20:17-38), a powerful discourse that encapsulates Paul's pastoral heart and prophetic foresight regarding future challenges to the church. The urgency expressed in this verse sets the tone for the subsequent warnings Paul receives about the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem, culminating in his resolute determination to proceed (Acts 21:4, 10-14).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia and a major economic, cultural, and religious center in the ancient world. It was home to the Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a hotbed of pagan worship and magical practices. Paul had spent an unprecedented amount of time in Ephesus, approximately three years (Acts 20:31), establishing a robust Christian community and profoundly impacting the region (Acts 19:10, 26). His ministry there had even caused a significant economic disturbance among the idol makers (Acts 19:23-41). The Day of Pentecost (Shavuot in Hebrew) was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, commemorating the giving of the Law at Sinai and the harvest of the first fruits. For early Christians, it also held immense theological significance as the day the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples in Jerusalem, marking the birth of the Church [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost"). Paul's desire to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost was likely multifaceted: to participate in the festival, to find opportunities for evangelism, to fellowship with the mother church, and crucially, to deliver the collection he had gathered from the Gentile churches for the poor saints in Jerusalem [Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Paul's Mission to Deliver Aid to Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse highlights several prominent themes in the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it underscores Paul's **Urgency and Purposeful Mission**. His "haste" and "determination" reveal a man driven by a clear sense of divine calling and an acute awareness of time's value in the spread of the Gospel. Secondly, it exemplifies **Strategic Travel and Time Management** in ministry. Paul's decision to bypass Ephesus was not out of disinterest but a calculated move to optimize his travel schedule, demonstrating a practical wisdom in balancing pastoral care with overarching missionary objectives. This strategic foresight allowed him to still meet with the Ephesian elders at Miletus, a nearby port, thus saving time without neglecting his spiritual responsibilities [Acts 20:17](/acts/20-17 "Paul sends for the Ephesian elders"). Finally, the verse emphasizes the **Significance of Jerusalem and Jewish Festivals** for the early church. Despite his primary mission to the Gentiles, Paul maintained a deep connection to Jerusalem and recognized the spiritual opportunities presented by the major festivals, seeing them as opportune times for gospel proclamation and fellowship among believers. His unwavering resolve to reach Jerusalem, even in the face of warnings, is a recurring motif in the latter part of Acts [Acts 21:4](/acts/21-4 "Disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem") and [Acts 21:11-14](/acts/21-11-14 "Agabus's Prophecy and Paul's Resolve to go to Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **determined (Greek, _krínō'_):** From G2919, meaning "to distinguish, i.e. decide (mentally or judicially); by implication, to try, condemn, punish." In this context, it signifies a firm, deliberate, and settled decision made by Paul. It is not a casual preference but a resolved course of action, indicating his intentionality and authority in planning his missionary movements.
* **hasted (Greek, _speúdō'_):** From G4692, meaning "to 'speed' ('study'), i.e. urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly." This word conveys more than mere physical speed; it implies an earnest desire, a pressing forward with diligence, and an eager anticipation of reaching his destination. Paul's haste is rooted in purpose and a sense of urgency regarding his mission.
* **to be (Greek, _gínomai'_):** From G1096, meaning "to cause to be ('gen'-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)." Here, it emphasizes the literal coming into existence or presence at a specific place and time. Paul's determined haste was so that he might "come into being" or "be present" at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, highlighting the concrete nature of his objective.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus":** This clause reveals Paul's strategic decision-making. The conjunction "For" (G1063, *gar*) introduces the reason for his specific travel route. "Determined" (G2919, *krínō*) indicates a firm, settled resolution. Paul consciously chose a route that would bypass a direct, time-consuming stop at Ephesus, a city where he had previously spent a significant amount of time and had deep connections. This decision reflects his intentionality in managing his itinerary.
* **"because he would not spend the time in Asia":** This explains the immediate rationale behind bypassing Ephesus. Ephesus was the capital of the Roman province of Asia. Paul understood that a visit to such an important and familiar hub, where he had many converts and strong relationships, would inevitably lead to extended ministry, fellowship, and addressing local issues, consuming valuable time. His priority was not to avoid the Ephesian church but to avoid the inevitable delays a full visit would entail, indicating a clear focus on his ultimate destination and timeline.
* **"for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost":** This final clause provides the ultimate reason for Paul's expedited travel. The repetition of "for" (G1063, *gar*) reinforces the causal link. "Hasted" (G4692, *speúdō*) conveys not just physical speed but an earnest, eager desire. His goal was to arrive in Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost (G4005, *pentēkostḗ*), a significant Jewish festival. The phrase "if it were possible for him" (G1487 *ei* + G2258 *ēn* + G1415 *dynatós*) acknowledges the logistical challenges and uncertainties of ancient travel, yet underscores his strong aspiration and diligent effort to achieve this specific timing.

#### Literary Devices
Luke employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey Paul's character and the narrative's progression. The use of **Foreshadowing** is evident; Paul's resolute determination and haste to reach Jerusalem, despite the implied difficulties of travel, subtly foreshadow his later unwavering resolve to go to Jerusalem even when explicitly warned of imprisonment and suffering (Acts 21:4, 11-14). This highlights Paul's consistent commitment to his divine calling. Luke's inclusion of such specific travel details also serves as **Narrative Detail**, lending authenticity and realism to the account of Paul's missionary journeys. It portrays Paul not merely as a spiritual leader but as a meticulous strategist, carefully planning his movements. Furthermore, the repeated use of the conjunction "for" (G1063, *gar*) functions as a device of **Emphasis**, clearly articulating the causal chain of Paul's decisions: he bypassed Ephesus *because* he didn't want to spend time in Asia, *for* he was eager to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. This structure underscores the logical and purposeful nature of Paul's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's strategic decision-making and urgent pursuit of his Pentecost deadline in Jerusalem reveal a profound theological understanding of divine timing and purpose in ministry. His actions demonstrate that effective service for God often requires careful planning, prioritization, and a willingness to make difficult choices for the sake of the greater mission. This verse highlights the tension between deep personal relationships (like those in Ephesus) and the overarching demands of a God-given calling, showing that while relationships are vital, they must sometimes be managed strategically to fulfill broader objectives. Paul's commitment to reaching Jerusalem for Pentecost also underscores the continuity between God's work in Israel and the burgeoning Christian movement, acknowledging the significance of Jewish feasts even as the church expanded into the Gentile world.

* [Acts 21:4](/acts/21-4 "Disciples warn Paul not to go to Jerusalem")
* [Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Paul's mission to deliver aid to Jerusalem")
* [1 Corinthians 9:24-27](/1_corinthians/9-24-27 "Paul's discipline for the gospel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 20:16 offers a powerful example of focused, strategic, and Spirit-led ministry. Paul's decision to bypass Ephesus, despite his deep affection for the church there, was not a sign of neglect but of disciplined prioritization. He understood that every moment was precious in the service of the Gospel, and he was willing to make difficult choices to fulfill his overarching mission. This challenges believers today to examine their own lives: Are we living with a similar sense of urgency and purpose in our spiritual endeavors? Do we strategically manage our time and resources to maximize our impact for God's kingdom, or do we allow distractions and comfortable routines to derail our most important callings? Paul's example reminds us that true dedication often requires intentionality, foresight, and a willingness to make sacrifices for the sake of a higher goal. It encourages us to prayerfully discern our God-given priorities and to pursue them with focused determination, trusting that God will provide opportunities for both broad impact and specific, personal connections, as he did for Paul with the Ephesian elders in Miletus.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "Ephesus" moments in your life—places or commitments that, while good, might distract you from a more urgent divine purpose?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of urgency and strategic planning in fulfilling your spiritual responsibilities and God-given callings?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to exercise greater discipline and prioritization to align with God's will?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost?**

Answer: Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem by the Day of Pentecost (G4005, *pentēkostḗ*) was likely driven by several factors. Firstly, Pentecost was one of the three major annual pilgrimage festivals for Jews, drawing large crowds to Jerusalem. This presented a significant opportunity for evangelism and for proclaiming the Gospel to a diverse audience, including many devout Jews from various nations [Acts 2:5-11](/acts/2-5-11 "Devout Jews from every nation hear the Gospel"). Secondly, Paul was carrying a collection of financial aid from the Gentile churches for the poor saints in Jerusalem [Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Paul's mission to deliver aid to Jerusalem"), and delivering this gift during a major festival would underscore the unity between Jewish and Gentile believers. Thirdly, Paul, as a devout Jew who had become the Apostle to the Gentiles, maintained a deep connection to Jerusalem and the mother church. Being present for such a significant festival would allow him to fellowship with the apostles and leaders there, strengthening bonds and reporting on his missionary endeavors. Finally, the Day of Pentecost held profound spiritual significance for Christians as the anniversary of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:1-4](/acts/2-1-4 "The Outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost"), making it a particularly meaningful time for believers to gather.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's resolute determination to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, strategically bypassing distractions and pressing forward with urgency, powerfully echoes the purposeful journey of Christ Himself. Just as Paul "hasted" towards a divinely appointed destination and timing, so too did Jesus set His face "steadfastly to go to Jerusalem" [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus sets His face toward Jerusalem"), knowing full well the suffering and death that awaited Him there, yet unwavering in His commitment to fulfill His Father's will. Paul's mission to Jerusalem, culminating in his eventual imprisonment and journey to Rome, reflects the broader narrative of the Gospel's unstoppable advance, initiated by Christ's redemptive work. The very goal of Paul's haste—to be in Jerusalem for Pentecost—points directly to the fulfillment of Christ's promise of the Holy Spirit [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Jesus' promise of the Holy Spirit"), an event that empowered the Church to carry the Gospel "to the end of the earth." Thus, Paul's journey is not merely a logistical detail but a microcosm of the Christ-centered mission: a determined pursuit of God's timing and purpose, empowered by the Spirit, to extend the saving work of the Lamb of God to all nations [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist declares Jesus the Lamb of God").

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 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: