Even though Paul had faced rejection from Jewish communities before, he immediately seeks out the synagogue in Ephesus, demonstrating an unwavering love and commitment to reasoning with his own people. This direct engagement, rather than bypassing them, highlights his persistent desire to share the message of Christ, no matter the past difficulties.
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul and his companions arrive in Ephesus, a major Roman city and bustling hub of trade and culture. After leaving Aquila and Priscilla there to establish their ministry, Paul immediately heads into the local synagogue to reason with the Jewish community. This marks the beginning of a significant period of ministry in Ephesus, setting the stage for the church that would later receive one of Paul's letters.
Despite past hardships and rejection, Paul still felt a deep pull to share the Gospel with his fellow Jews.
Even after facing significant opposition from the Jewish community in Corinth, Paul’s heart didn’t harden. The text highlights his persistent love and commitment by showing him entering the synagogue in Ephesus, the very place where he had reason to expect potential conflict.
His actions demonstrate a profound dedication to reaching his own people with the message of salvation. It’s a powerful reminder that our commitment to sharing God's love shouldn't be dictated by past hurts or fear of rejection, but by a persistent, Christ-like love for all.
Ephesus wasn't just any city; it was a major hub, ripe with opportunities and challenges for the early church.
Paul's arrival in Ephesus marks a pivotal moment. This city was a bustling metropolis, a center of commerce and culture in Asia Minor. It was renowned for its magnificent Temple of Artemis, drawing pilgrims from all over.
This cosmopolitan environment meant a diverse population, including a significant Jewish community with its own synagogue. Paul's decision to engage directly in the synagogue shows his strategic thinking: aiming to reach both Jews and, through them, the wider Gentile population of this influential city. This brief but significant stop laid the groundwork for a substantial ministry there.
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synagōgē · Greek Noun
A Jewish house of worship and instruction; the center of community life and the reading of the Law and Prophets in the diaspora.
dialegomai · Greek Verb
The act of dialoguing, debating, or presenting a logical case to persuade others, often used in the New Testament to describe apostolic preaching and apologetics.
thelēma · Greek Noun
The sovereign purpose, decree, or desire of God. In a biblical context, submitting to God's will signifies trusting in His absolute authority over all circumstances and future events.
Paul's brief visit to Ephesus in this verse was the start of a pivotal, extended ministry in a major cultural and religious hub, laying the groundwork for a significant church and later correspondence.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and Greece, establishing churches and teaching.
c. AD 52— this verse
Arrival in Ephesus
Paul and his companions arrive in Ephesus, a major Roman port city. This verse marks the beginning of his significant ministry there.
c. AD 52-54
Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, teaching in the synagogue and later independently, facing opposition but also seeing great success.
c. AD 54
Paul's Departure from Ephesus
Paul leaves Ephesus, promising to return, after establishing a strong church and leaving Aquila and Priscilla to continue the work.
c. AD 57
Letter to the Corinthians
During his travels, Paul writes his first letter to the church in Corinth, which was founded during his previous visit.
c. AD 62-67
Letter to the Ephesians
While imprisoned, Paul writes to the church he established in Ephesus, reflecting on their spiritual growth and the nature of the church.
This verse highlights Paul's consistent pattern of turning to the Gentiles after facing rejection from the Jews, a theme that foreshadows his continued ministry in places like Ephesus.
Acts 19:8This passage describes Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus, showing how his initial reasoning in the synagogue in Acts 18:19 laid the groundwork for a significant period of teaching and discipleship.
Romans 1:16Paul's unwavering commitment to preach the gospel 'to the Jew first and also to the Greek' is evident in his persistent reasoning with the Jewish community in Ephesus, even after previous rejections.
1 Corinthians 9:20Paul's approach of reasoning with the Jews in Ephesus, described here, aligns with his broader strategy of becoming 'all things to all people' to win them for Christ, even engaging with those who had previously opposed him.
pooleActs 18:19: "And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews."
Ephesus; the metropolis of the Lesser Asia, where afterwards that famous church was, unto which St. Paul wrote an Epistle, as also St. John wrote another, Revelation 2:1 . Left them there; that is, Aquila and Priscilla at Ephesus, to confirm the believing Ephesians; whilst Paul entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews; out of an extraordinary love for h…
bensonActs 18:19: "And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews."
Acts 18:19-23 . And he came to Ephesus — The ship in which they sailed probably having occasion to touch there. And he entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews — Upon whom his discourse made such an impression, that they desired him to tarry longer with them — However, as his vow made it necessary that he should offer the appointed sacrifice in Jerusale…
Even though Paul had faced rejection from Jewish communities before, he immediately seeks out the synagogue in Ephesus, demonstrating an unwavering love and commitment to reasoning with his own people. This direct engagement, rather than bypassing them, highlights his persistent desire to share the message of Christ, no matter the past difficulties.
Paul and his companions arrive in Ephesus, a major Roman city and bustling hub of trade and culture. After leaving Aquila and Priscilla there to establish their ministry, Paul immediately heads into the local synagogue to reason with the Jewish community. This marks the beginning of a significant period of ministry in Ephesus, setting the stage for the church that would later receive one of Paul's letters.
Paul and his companions arrive in Ephesus, a major Roman city and bustling hub of trade and culture. After leaving Aquila and Priscilla there to establish their ministry, Paul immediately heads into the local synagogue to reason with the Jewish community. This marks the beginning of a significant period of ministry in Ephesus, setting the stage for the church that would later receive one of Paul's letters.
"And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined. But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you i…" — Even though Paul had faced rejection from Jewish communities before, he immediately seeks out the synagogue in Ephesus, demonstrating an unwavering love and commitment to reasoning with his own peopl…
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Last reviewed October 2026
