Acts 20:16 - 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.
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What does "Acts 20:16" mean?
This verse, Acts 20:16, explains Paul's strategic decision to bypass Ephesus on his return journey to Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown:
"For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus...": Paul made a deliberate decision not to stop in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where he had previously spent considerable time (Acts 19).
"...that he might not have to spend time in Asia...": The reason for his decision was that he didn't want to be delayed. He likely knew that a visit to Ephesus would involve many people wanting to see him, teach, and perhaps resolve conflicts, which would consume a lot of time.
"...for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.": His ultimate goal was to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Pentecost was a significant Jewish festival celebrated 50 days after Passover, and it was a time when many Jews from around the world would gather in Jerusalem. Paul felt a strong desire to be there, perhaps to share the gospel with the many pilgrims in the city and reconnect with the Jerusalem church. The phrase "if it were possible for him" suggests that Paul recognized that travel plans are subject to God's will and external factors.
In summary: Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost. He knew that if he stopped in Ephesus, it would delay him, so he decided to sail past it. His desire to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost reveals his commitment to the Jewish people and his belief that this was a crucial opportunity to share the Christian message.
Acts 20:16 - 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.
What does "Acts 20:16" mean?
This verse, Acts 20:16, explains Paul's strategic decision to bypass Ephesus on his return journey to Jerusalem. Here's a breakdown:
"For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus...": Paul made a deliberate decision not to stop in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) where he had previously spent considerable time (Acts 19).
"...that he might not have to spend time in Asia...": The reason for his decision was that he didn't want to be delayed. He likely knew that a visit to Ephesus would involve many people wanting to see him, teach, and perhaps resolve conflicts, which would consume a lot of time.
"...for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.": His ultimate goal was to reach Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost. Pentecost was a significant Jewish festival celebrated 50 days after Passover, and it was a time when many Jews from around the world would gather in Jerusalem. Paul felt a strong desire to be there, perhaps to share the gospel with the many pilgrims in the city and reconnect with the Jerusalem church. The phrase "if it were possible for him" suggests that Paul recognized that travel plans are subject to God's will and external factors.
In summary: Paul was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost. He knew that if he stopped in Ephesus, it would delay him, so he decided to sail past it. His desire to be in Jerusalem by Pentecost reveals his commitment to the Jewish people and his belief that this was a crucial opportunity to share the Christian message.