Why did Paul decline to stay longer in Ephesus, according to Acts 18:20? Text Under Consideration “ When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he declined.” (Acts 18:20) Immediate Context • Paul had just left Corinth and was en route to Syria (Acts 18:18). • He stopped briefly in Ephesus, reasoned with the Jews in the synagogue, and was well-received—so much so that they urged him to remain (Acts 18:19–20). • Verse 21 continues: “But as he left, he said, ‘I must by all means keep this feast that is coming in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you if God is willing.’ And he set sail from Ephesus.” Reasons Paul Declined to Stay Longer • Commitment to Keep an Upcoming Feast in Jerusalem – “I must by all means keep this feast that is coming in Jerusalem” (Acts 18:21). – Paul maintained a disciplined observance of the Jewish calendar when it served gospel purposes (cf. Acts 20:16). • Fulfillment of a Personal Vow – He had “his head shaved because of a vow” at Cenchrea (Acts 18:18). Many scholars connect the vow with an obligation to present himself at the temple, which would have aligned with traveling to Jerusalem for the feast. • Accountability to the Church in Antioch – After Jerusalem, Paul “went down to Antioch” (Acts 18:22) to report on his mission. Staying in Ephesus would have delayed that vital accountability to his sending church. • Sensitivity to God’s Timing – “I will come back to you if God is willing” (Acts 18:21). Paul trusted the Lord’s timing rather than being driven solely by immediate ministry opportunities. • Preservation of Momentum for the Next Mission Stage – Jerusalem and Antioch were strategic hubs. By keeping his itinerary, Paul ensured resources, prayer support, and direction for the expanding Gentile mission (cf. Acts 14:27–28). Takeaways for Today • God-given priorities sometimes require turning down even good ministry invitations. • Obedience in small, time-sensitive matters (vows, feasts) safeguards long-term faithfulness. • Accountability to a sending church remains vital for missionary work. • Trusting God’s will allows us to leave fruitful fields temporarily, confident He will open the door again (Acts 19:1). |
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