Acts 20:16
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Paul intentionally sails past Ephesus, not just to save time, but because he knows a visit there would mean getting deeply entangled, even with friends, and that’s a delay he couldn't afford. He’s driven by a powerful urgency to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, recognizing it as a unique opportunity for ministry to a global crowd.
Paul is on his final journey towards Jerusalem, a trip that feels urgent as he aims to arrive by the significant Feast of Pentecost. Because of this pressing need to reach Jerusalem, he decides to sail past Ephesus, a major city where he had ministered for years, to avoid any delays that a stop there would inevitably cause. This decision highlights his strategic focus on his ultimate goal and his awareness of the opportunities and challenges awaiting him in Jerusalem.
Why was Paul in such a hurry to get to Jerusalem? It wasn't just about a date on the calendar, but about seizing a divine opportunity.
Paul's decision to sail past Ephesus, a major church he loved, highlights his deep commitment to God's mission. He was 'hastening' (Acts 20:16) to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.
Why Pentecost?
Paul understood that time was precious and that certain moments offered unique opportunities for ministry. He wasn't wasting time; he was prioritizing the 'greater fruits' (Bengel) God had for him to achieve.
Paul skipped a beloved church to save time. Was this neglect, or a higher form of care?
Paul's choice to bypass Ephesus might seem harsh, but it reveals a profound wisdom in ministry.
The Dilemma:
Understand the original words
pentēkostē · Greek Noun
A religious festival of the Jews celebrated fifty days after the Passover; in the New Testament, it marks the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church.
Paul's urgent desire to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost reveals his strategic missional focus: to engage with the diverse crowds gathered for the festival, potentially bridging divides between Jewish and Gentile believers during this pivotal time in the early church.
c. AD 47-48
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul undertakes his first major missionary journey with Barnabas, establishing churches and facing significant opposition.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels extensively through Asia Minor and into Greece, founding churches and dealing with theological disputes, including his significant time in Corinth.
c. AD 52-56— this verse
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul spends a lengthy period in Ephesus, the capital of the Roman province of Asia, establishing a strong church and facing considerable opposition from local silversmiths.
c. AD 56
Paul Departs Ephesus
After a riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith, Paul leaves Ephesus, determined to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.
ellicottActs 20:16: "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."
(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 sai…
pulpitActs 20:16: "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."
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.…
Paul intentionally sails past Ephesus, not just to save time, but because he knows a visit there would mean getting deeply entangled, even with friends, and that’s a delay he couldn't afford. He’s driven by a powerful urgency to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, recognizing it as a unique opportunity for ministry to a global crowd.
Paul is on his final journey towards Jerusalem, a trip that feels urgent as he aims to arrive by the significant Feast of Pentecost. Because of this pressing need to reach Jerusalem, he decides to sail past Ephesus, a major city where he had ministered for years, to avoid any delays that a stop there would inevitably cause. This decision highlights his strategic focus on his ultimate goal and his awareness of the opportunities and challenges awaiting him in Jerusalem.
Paul is on his final journey towards Jerusalem, a trip that feels urgent as he aims to arrive by the significant Feast of Pentecost. Because of this pressing need to reach Jerusalem, he decides to sail past Ephesus, a major city where he had ministered for years, to avoid any delays that a stop there would inevitably cause. This decision highlights his strategic focus on his ultimate goal and his awareness of the opportunities and challenges awaiting him in Jerusalem.
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Strategic Prioritization:
Paul's actions show that effective ministry requires careful discernment, prioritizing God's immediate calling even when it means letting go of present comforts or deeply loved ministries.
Pentecost, c. AD 56
Pentecost in Jerusalem
Paul arrives in Jerusalem during the Feast of Pentecost, a major pilgrimage festival drawing Jews from all over the known world.
"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." — Paul intentionally sails past Ephesus, not just to save time, but because he knows a visit there would mean getting deeply entangled, even with friends, and that’s a delay he couldn't afford. He’s…
