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)
Paul deliberately chose to sail past Ephesus rather than stopping, not out of dislike, but because he felt a divine urgency to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost. This decision highlights his strategic focus on maximizing opportunities for ministry, understanding that the massive pilgrimage during that feast would offer a unique chance to reach many souls and possibly bridge divisions within the church.
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)
Paul is on a journey back to Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by the significant feast of Pentecost. Because he's eager to reach the city for this important occasion, he decides to bypass a stop in Ephesus, the major church in the region, to save time and avoid potential delays. Instead, he arranges to meet with the Ephesian elders at nearby Miletus.
Why was Paul in such a rush to get to Jerusalem? It wasn't just about attending a party.
Paul's decision to bypass Ephesus and hasten to Jerusalem was driven by a strategic understanding of Pentecost.
A Unique Opportunity
Pentecost was a major pilgrimage festival, drawing Jews from all over the known world to Jerusalem. This created an unparalleled audience for the gospel.
Apostolic Mandate
Paul saw this gathering as a prime opportunity to fulfill his mission as an apostle to the nations. He aimed to proclaim the kingdom of God, potentially bridging the growing divide between Jewish and Gentile believers, and to win souls.
Timing is Everything
Beyond the immediate evangelistic potential, Paul's timing was crucial for his subsequent travel plans. Delaying his arrival in Jerusalem could have pushed his departure for Rome past the optimal time.
Paul bypassed a major church he loved. Was he being unkind, or was this a wise decision?
Paul's choice to 'sail by Ephesus' wasn't a rejection of the church there, but a demonstration of disciplined focus and strategic prioritization.
Not Wasting Time
The Greek word used here (chronotribēsai) implies not just spending time, but wasting it or spending it unnecessarily. Paul understood that while ministry in Ephesus would bear fruit, spending extended time there now would mean missing a greater opportunity elsewhere.
Ask a follow-up
Strategic Bypassing
Ephesus was a significant base for Paul, but lingering there would have delayed his urgent mission to Jerusalem. He chose to entrust the church to its leaders (as seen in the subsequent verses where he calls the Ephesian elders to Miletus) rather than be detained by familiar, albeit important, ministry.
Prioritizing the Greater Good
Paul's decision shows that sometimes, serving effectively means making difficult choices to forgo immediate good for a greater, future good. His love for the Ephesian believers was demonstrated not by staying, but by entrusting them and pursuing a more pressing divine assignment.
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 decision to bypass Ephesus for Miletus underscores the immense pressure he felt to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, a critical juncture for both ministry opportunities and delivering an important collection for the Jerusalem church.
c. AD 49-52
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul undertakes his third major missionary journey, which includes extensive travel throughout Asia Minor and Greece, planting churches and strengthening existing ones.
c. AD 55
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
Following his time in Greece, Paul plans a journey that will take him to Rome, seeing this as a new field for his apostolic ministry.
c. AD 55
Collection for Jerusalem Christians
Paul is actively gathering funds from Gentile churches to support the struggling Jewish believers in Jerusalem, a significant undertaking to foster unity.
c. AD 55— this verse
Paul's Urgency to Reach Jerusalem
Paul is eager to arrive in Jerusalem by Pentecost, a major Jewish festival, likely to participate in the large gathering of Jews from across the diaspora and to deliver the collection.
c. AD 55
Paul Arrives at Miletus
Instead of stopping at Ephesus, Paul sails past to Miletus, a port near Ephesus, to meet with the Ephesian elders, avoiding delays.
c. AD 55
Farewell to the Ephesian Elders
Paul delivers a poignant farewell speech to the elders of Ephesus, entrusting them with the care of the church and warning them of future challenges.
This verse highlights Paul's desire to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, directly contrasting with his urgent need to leave in Acts 20:16, showing the shift in his plans due to pressing circumstances.
Exodus 19:1This passage describes Israel arriving at Mount Sinai during the same season that Paul aimed for Jerusalem, emphasizing Pentecost as a significant time for divine encounter and instruction.
Acts 2:1This verse details the actual outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost, providing the backdrop for why Paul, as an apostle, would be so motivated to be in Jerusalem at that specific time.
Romans 15:25-27This passage reveals Paul's mission to bring financial aid to the Jerusalem church, explaining the deeper purpose and urgency behind his journey, which makes his haste in Acts 20:16 understandable.
1 Corinthians 9:19-23This passage illustrates Paul's strategic approach to ministry, showing his willingness to adapt his plans and become 'all things to all people' in order to gain a hearing, which is consistent with his decision to bypass Ephesus.
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 deliberately chose to sail past Ephesus rather than stopping, not out of dislike, but because he felt a divine urgency to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost. This decision highlights his strategic focus on maximizing opportunities for ministry, understanding that the massive pilgrimage during that feast would offer a unique chance to reach many souls and possibly bridge divisions within the church.
Paul is on a journey back to Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by the significant feast of Pentecost. Because he's eager to reach the city for this important occasion, he decides to bypass a stop in Ephesus, the major church in the region, to save time and avoid potential delays. Instead, he arranges to meet with the Ephesian elders at nearby Miletus.
Paul is on a journey back to Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by the significant feast of Pentecost. Because he's eager to reach the city for this important occasion, he decides to bypass a stop in Ephesus, the major church in the region, to save time and avoid potential delays. Instead, he arranges to meet with the Ephesian elders at nearby Miletus.
"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 deliberately chose to sail past Ephesus rather than stopping, not out of dislike, but because he felt a divine urgency to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost. This decision highlights his strategic…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026