Acts 20:16
New International Version
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

New Living Translation
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost.

English Standard Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

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.

Berean Literal Bible
For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that it might not come upon him to spend time in Asia; for he was hastened, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

New American Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to lose time in Asia; for he was hurrying, if it might be possible for him to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

NASB 1995
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

NASB 1977
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Legacy Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Amplified Bible
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus so that he would not end up spending time [unnecessarily] in [the province of] Asia (modern Turkey); for he was in a hurry to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Christian Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he would not have to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for 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.

Contemporary English Version
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, because he did not want to spend too much time in Asia. He was in a hurry and wanted to be in Jerusalem in time for Pentecost.

English Revised 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if that was possible.

Good News Translation
Paul had decided to sail on by Ephesus, so as not to lose any time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost, if at all possible.

International Standard Version
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in Asia, as he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if that was possible.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to arrive in Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

New Heart English Bible
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 in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival.

World English Bible
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 in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, that there may not be to him a loss of time in Asia, for he was hurrying, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of the Pentecost.

Berean Literal Bible
For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that it might not come upon him to spend time in Asia; for he was hastened, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Young's Literal Translation
for Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, that there may not be to him a loss of time in Asia, for he hasted, if it were possible for him, on the day of the Pentecost to be at Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
For Paul determined to sail to Ephesus, as it might not be to him to spend the time in Asia: for he hastened, if it were possible to him, to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, lest he should be stayed any time in Asia. For he hasted, if it were possible for him, to keep the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not be delayed in Asia. For he was hurrying so that, if it were possible for him, he might observe the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

New American Bible
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order not to lose time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if at all possible, for the day of Pentecost.

New Revised Standard Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For Paul had determined not to stop at Eph'e-sus, fearing he might be delayed there; because he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to celebrate the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For Paulus was determined to pass by it to Ephesaus, lest he be delayed there because he was hurrying, that if he were able, he would keep the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he hastened, that, if it were possible for him, he might be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Godbey New Testament
For Paul decided to sail by Ephesus, in order that it might not be necessary for him to spend the time in Asia: for he was hastening, if it might be possible for him to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Haweis New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend the time in Asia: for he hastened on, if it was possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Mace New Testament
for Paul had determined not to go ashore at Ephesus, to avoid losing time in Asia: because he was eager to get to Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of pentecost.

Weymouth New Testament
For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival.

Worrell New Testament
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 in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Worsley New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia: for he endeavoured, if it were possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
From Troas to Miletus
15Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus. 16 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. 17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

Acts 18:21
But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 2:1
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Acts 21:4
We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:12-14
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. / Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” / When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Acts 24:17
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.

Acts 13:13-14
After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. / And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down.

Acts 16:6-8
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

Acts 21:26
So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.

Acts 25:1
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,

Acts 27:9
By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,

Romans 15:25
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.

Romans 15:31
Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.


Treasury of Scripture

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

had.

Acts 20:13
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

Acts 18:21
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.

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.

the day.

Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Exodus 34:22
And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

Jump to Previous
Asia Avoid Decided Desirable Desirous Determined Ephesus Harvest Hasted Hastened Hastening Hurry Hurrying Jerusalem Kept Order Past Paul Paul's Pentecost Plan Possible Province Purpose Quickly Reach Sail Spend Spending Thought Time
Jump to Next
Asia Avoid Decided Desirable Desirous Determined Ephesus Harvest Hasted Hastened Hastening Hurry Hurrying Jerusalem Kept Order Past Paul Paul's Pentecost Plan Possible Province Purpose Quickly Reach Sail Spend Spending Thought Time
Acts 20
1. Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7. He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13. Paul continues his travels;
17. and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28. commits God's flock to them,
29. warns them of false teachers,
32. commends them to God,
36. prays with them, and departs.














Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus
Paul's decision to bypass Ephesus reflects his strategic planning in ministry. Ephesus was a significant city where Paul had previously spent considerable time (Acts 19:1-10), establishing a strong church. His choice to sail past suggests a deliberate effort to avoid delays, as visiting Ephesus might have required extended engagement with the church and local issues. This decision underscores Paul's focus and determination in his missionary journey.

to avoid spending time in the province of Asia
The province of Asia, a Roman administrative region in what is now western Turkey, was an area where Paul had already invested much effort. By avoiding it, Paul demonstrates his awareness of the need to prioritize his time and resources. This decision also highlights the challenges of travel and communication in the ancient world, where journeys were time-consuming and often unpredictable.

because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem
Paul's urgency to reach Jerusalem indicates a strong sense of mission and responsibility. Jerusalem was not only the center of Jewish worship but also the location of the early Christian church's leadership. Paul's desire to be there suggests his commitment to maintaining unity and connection with the broader Christian community. This urgency may also reflect his awareness of the prophetic warnings he had received about the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23).

if possible, by the day of Pentecost
Pentecost, originally a Jewish feast celebrating the harvest and the giving of the Law at Sinai, had gained new significance for Christians as the day the Holy Spirit was poured out on the apostles (Acts 2:1-4). Paul's aim to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost suggests his desire to participate in this important celebration, which would have drawn many Jewish and Christian pilgrims to the city. This timing also reflects the early church's continued connection to Jewish traditions and festivals, even as it developed its distinct identity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle and missionary who is central to the Book of Acts. He is on his third missionary journey and is determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.

2. Ephesus
A major city in the Roman province of Asia, where Paul had previously spent significant time establishing the church and teaching.

3. Province of Asia
A Roman province in what is now western Turkey. Paul had a strong connection to this region, having spent considerable time there during his missionary journeys.

4. Jerusalem
The spiritual center for Jews and early Christians. Paul is eager to return here for the feast of Pentecost.

5. Pentecost
A Jewish feast occurring 50 days after Passover, significant for Christians as the day the Holy Spirit descended on the apostles (Acts 2).
Teaching Points
Strategic Planning in Ministry
Paul’s decision to bypass Ephesus shows the importance of prioritizing and planning in ministry work. We should seek God’s guidance in making strategic decisions that align with His purposes.

Significance of Pentecost
Understanding the historical and spiritual significance of Pentecost can deepen our appreciation for the work of the Holy Spirit in the Church today.

Commitment to the Church
Paul’s urgency to reach Jerusalem reflects his commitment to the broader body of Christ. We should cultivate a similar dedication to supporting and connecting with the global Church.

Balancing Relationships and Mission
Paul’s choice to avoid Ephesus, despite his love for the Ephesian church, teaches us about balancing personal relationships with the mission God has given us.

Urgency in God’s Work
Paul’s haste to reach Jerusalem reminds us of the urgency in fulfilling God’s calling. We should be diligent and proactive in our spiritual responsibilities.(16) For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus.--The English phrase is unfortunately ambiguous. What is meant is that he had decided to continue his voyage without going to Ephesus--to pass it by.

To be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.--The motives for this wish lie on the surface. (1) It was, as has been said in the Note on Acts 2:1, the Feast that attracted most pilgrims from all parts of the world, and therefore gave most scope for his work as an Apostle, especially for the great task of healing the growing breach between the Jewish and Gentile Christians. (2) It revived the memories and the power of the great day which had been the birthday of the Church's life as a distinct society. (3) St. Paul was contemplating a journey from Syria to Rome after his visit, and that would hardly have been feasible had he waited for the Feast of the Tabernacles. It might have seemed at first as if there was little gained in point of time by sending for the elders to come to him instead of going to them. We must remember, however, that had he taken the journey he would have been exposed to the accidents of travel, perhaps to a fresh riot like that of Demetrius, and might have been detained beyond the day fixed for the departure of the ship. By remaining at Miletus it was in his power to embark at any moment.

Verse 16. - Past for by, A.V.; that he might not have to for because he would not, A.V.; time for the time, A.V.; was hastening for hasted, A.V. To spend time; χρονοτριβῆσαι, found only here in the New Testament, but used by Aristotle and others. It has rather the sense of wasting time, spending it needlessly. The day of Pentecost. The time of year is rims very distinctly marked. Paul was at Philippi at the time of the Passover, and hoped to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

had decided
Κεκρίκει (Kekrikei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

to sail past
παραπλεῦσαι (parapleusai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3896: To sail past (without stopping there). From para and pleo; to sail near.

Ephesus
Ἔφεσον (Epheson)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181: Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.

to
ὅπως (hopōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).

avoid
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

spending time
χρονοτριβῆσαι (chronotribēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5551: From a presumed compound of chronos and the base of tribos; to be a time-wearer, i.e. To procrastinate.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the province of] Asia,
Ἀσίᾳ (Asia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 773: Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or only its western shore.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he was in a hurry
ἔσπευδεν (espeuden)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4692: To hasten, urge on, desire earnestly. Probably strengthened from pous; to 'speed', i.e. Urge on; by implication, to await eagerly.

to reach
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

Jerusalem,
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

possible,
δυνατὸν (dynaton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.

by the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

of Pentecost.
Πεντηκοστῆς (Pentēkostēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4005: Feminine of the ordinal of pentekonta; fiftieth from Passover, i.e. The festival of 'Pentecost'.


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