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's parting words, "I will return to you if God wills," highlight a profound reliance on divine timing, not just a polite closing. This humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, even in his own plans, was a deeply ingrained spiritual practice for him, echoing the very heart of faith as described elsewhere in Scripture.
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 is leaving Ephesus after a significant ministry there, intending to travel to Jerusalem for a feast, though the specific feast is debated among scholars and some ancient manuscripts omit this detail. He promises the believers he'll return to them later, a promise he fulfills, but he places his plans firmly under God's sovereign will.
Paul had a packed schedule, but he understood something crucial about making plans. What was it?
Paul's departure from Ephesus carries a profound lesson about our own planning. He states, 'I will return to you, if God wills.' This isn't just a polite closing; it's a deep acknowledgment of our place in God's sovereign plan.
Purposeful Uncertainty
While some scholars debate the exact feast Paul was eager to attend in Jerusalem, the core message remains. Whether it was a specific religious observance or a desire to connect with more people, Paul had intentions. Yet, he deliberately framed his return with a conditional clause: 'if God wills.'
Living by Faith, Not Presumption
This phrase, 'if God wills,' is a powerful reminder that our lives are not entirely our own. We can make plans, set goals, and work diligently, but ultimate control rests with God. Paul wasn't passively resigned; he was actively surrendered. He understood that true wisdom lies in aligning our will with His, recognizing that His timing and His ways are perfect, even when they differ from our own.
Paul left Ephesus with a promise to return. What does this promise reveal about his commitment to the believers there?
Paul's farewell in Acts 18:21 isn't just an endpoint; it's a transition point filled with purpose and promise. His declaration, 'I will return to you, if God wills,' speaks volumes about his pastoral heart and his unwavering commitment to the churches he planted.
Seeds of Hope
Ask a follow-up
Even as he sailed away, Paul planted a seed of hope and expectation in the hearts of the Ephesian believers. His return wasn't a vague possibility but a firm intention, albeit one submitted to God's sovereign will. This assurance would have strengthened them during his absence, reminding them they were not forgotten.
The Pastor's Heart
This promise to return is characteristic of Paul's deep care for the spiritual well-being of those under his ministry. It wasn't enough for him to simply share the Gospel; he was invested in their growth and the establishment of the church. His eventual return, as recorded in Acts 19:1, fulfilled this promise and allowed him to further nurture and build up the believers in Ephesus.
Understand the original words
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.
The verse highlights Paul's dependence on God's will for his future plans, a crucial reminder for us as we navigate our own journeys and commitments, acknowledging that our best-laid plans are always subject to divine sovereignty.
c. AD 52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul completes a significant portion of his second missionary journey, establishing churches in places like Corinth and Philippi.
c. AD 53-56— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends an extended period, over two years, ministering in Ephesus, a major commercial and religious center in Asia Minor.
c. AD 56
Paul Departs Ephesus
Paul leaves Ephesus, intending to travel to Jerusalem, possibly for a significant feast, and plans to return to Ephesus later.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey Begins
Paul embarks on his third missionary journey, traveling through Macedonia and Greece, and eventually returning to Ephesus.
c. AD 57-59
Extended Stay in Ephesus
Paul returns to Ephesus for a prolonged stay, continuing his ministry and significantly impacting the region.
This passage directly echoes Paul's sentiment about submitting plans to God's will, highlighting the humble acknowledgment that even our most carefully laid intentions are subject to divine sovereignty.
Acts 19:1This verse provides the direct fulfillment of Paul's promise to return to Ephesus, showing that his intention, when aligned with God's will, indeed came to pass.
Acts 20:16This passage shows Paul later making a deliberate effort to reach Jerusalem by a certain feast (Pentecost), underscoring his recurring focus on participating in these significant religious gatherings.
1 Corinthians 16:8Paul expresses a similar desire to stay at Ephesus for 'a long time,' indicating his strategic planning and spiritual investment in the Ephesian church, which aligns with his plans mentioned here.
barnesActs 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."
Keep this feast - Probably the Passover is here referred to. Why he was so anxious to celebrate that feast at Jerusalem, the historian has not informed us. It is probable, however, that he wished to meet as many of his countrymen as possible, and to remove, if practicable, the prejudices which had everywhere been r…
pulpitActs 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."
Verse 21. - Taking his leave of them, and saying for bade them farewell, saying, A.V.; I will return for I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem; but I will return, A.V. and T.R.; he set sail for and he sailed, A.V. and T.R. Taking his leave; as in ver. 18, note. I must by all means, etc. This…
Paul's parting words, "I will return to you if God wills," highlight a profound reliance on divine timing, not just a polite closing. This humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, even in his own plans, was a deeply ingrained spiritual practice for him, echoing the very heart of faith as described elsewhere in Scripture.
Paul is leaving Ephesus after a significant ministry there, intending to travel to Jerusalem for a feast, though the specific feast is debated among scholars and some ancient manuscripts omit this detail. He promises the believers he'll return to them later, a promise he fulfills, but he places his plans firmly under God's sovereign will.
Paul is leaving Ephesus after a significant ministry there, intending to travel to Jerusalem for a feast, though the specific feast is debated among scholars and some ancient manuscripts omit this detail. He promises the believers he'll return to them later, a promise he fulfills, but he places his plans firmly under God's sovereign will.
"But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus." — Paul's parting words, "I will return to you if God wills," highlight a profound reliance on divine timing, not just a polite closing. This humble acknowledgment of God's sovereignty, even in his own…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026