Acts 20:16
New International Version
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

New Living Translation
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn’t want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost.

English Standard Version
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.

Berean Standard Bible
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

Berean Literal Bible
For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that it might not come upon him to spend time in Asia; for he was hastened, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.

New American Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to lose time in Asia; for he was hurrying, if it might be possible for him to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

NASB 1995
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

NASB 1977
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Legacy Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Amplified Bible
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus so that he would not end up spending time [unnecessarily] in [the province of] Asia (modern Turkey); for he was in a hurry to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.

Christian Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so he would not have to spend time in Asia, because he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, for the day of Pentecost.

American Standard Version
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 at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

Contemporary English Version
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, because he did not want to spend too much time in Asia. He was in a hurry and wanted to be in Jerusalem in time for Pentecost.

English Revised Version
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 at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if that was possible.

Good News Translation
Paul had decided to sail on by Ephesus, so as not to lose any time in the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to arrive in Jerusalem by the day of Pentecost, if at all possible.

International Standard Version
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in Asia, as he was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost, if that was possible.

Majority Standard Bible
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

NET Bible
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus so as not to spend time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to arrive in Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.

New Heart English Bible
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.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, that there may not be to him a loss of time in Asia, for he was hurrying, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of the Pentecost.

Berean Literal Bible
For Paul had decided to sail by Ephesus, so that it might not come upon him to spend time in Asia; for he was hastened, if it was possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Young's Literal Translation
for Paul decided to sail past Ephesus, that there may not be to him a loss of time in Asia, for he hasted, if it were possible for him, on the day of the Pentecost to be at Jerusalem.

Smith's Literal Translation
For Paul determined to sail to Ephesus, as it might not be to him to spend the time in Asia: for he hastened, if it were possible to him, to be in Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, lest he should be stayed any time in Asia. For he hasted, if it were possible for him, to keep the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not be delayed in Asia. For he was hurrying so that, if it were possible for him, he might observe the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

New American Bible
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus in order not to lose time in the province of Asia, for he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if at all possible, for the day of Pentecost.

New Revised Standard Version
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia; he was eager to be in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For Paul had determined not to stop at Eph'e-sus, fearing he might be delayed there; because he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to celebrate the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For Paulus was determined to pass by it to Ephesaus, lest he be delayed there because he was hurrying, that if he were able, he would keep the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia; for he hastened, that, if it were possible for him, he might be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Godbey New Testament
For Paul decided to sail by Ephesus, in order that it might not be necessary for him to spend the time in Asia: for he was hastening, if it might be possible for him to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Haweis New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend the time in Asia: for he hastened on, if it was possible for him, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Mace New Testament
for Paul had determined not to go ashore at Ephesus, to avoid losing time in Asia: because he was eager to get to Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of pentecost.

Weymouth New Testament
For Paul's plan was to sail past Ephesus, so as not to spend much time in the province of Asia; since he was very desirous of being in Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of the Harvest Festival.

Worrell New Testament
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.

Worsley New Testament
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, that he might not spend time in Asia: for he endeavoured, if it were possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
From Troas to Miletus
15Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus. 16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. 17From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.…

Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,

Acts 18:21
But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Acts 2:1
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Acts 21:4
We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.

Acts 21:12-14
When we heard this, we and the people there pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. / Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” / When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Acts 24:17
After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.

Acts 13:13-14
After setting sail from Paphos, Paul and his companions came to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. / And from Perga, they traveled inland to Pisidian Antioch, where they entered the synagogue on the Sabbath and sat down.

Acts 16:6-8
After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

Acts 21:26
So the next day Paul took the men and purified himself along with them. Then he entered the temple to give notice of the date when their purification would be complete and the offering would be made for each of them.

Acts 25:1
Three days after his arrival in the province, Festus went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem,

Acts 27:9
By now much time had passed, and the voyage had already become dangerous because it was after the Fast. So Paul advised them,

Romans 15:25
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there.

Romans 15:31
Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there,

1 Corinthians 5:7-8
Get rid of the old leaven, that you may be a new unleavened batch, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed. / Therefore let us keep the feast, not with the old bread, leavened with malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and of truth.


Treasury of Scripture

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hurried, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

had.

Acts 20:13
And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

Acts 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.

Acts 19:21
After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

the day.

Acts 2:1
And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place.

Exodus 34:22
And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year's end.

1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

Jump to Previous
Asia Avoid Decided Desirable Desirous Determined Ephesus Harvest Hasted Hastened Hastening Hurry Hurrying Jerusalem Kept Order Past Paul Paul's Pentecost Plan Possible Province Purpose Quickly Reach Sail Spend Spending Thought Time
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Asia Avoid Decided Desirable Desirous Determined Ephesus Harvest Hasted Hastened Hastening Hurry Hurrying Jerusalem Kept Order Past Paul Paul's Pentecost Plan Possible Province Purpose Quickly Reach Sail Spend Spending Thought Time
Acts 20
1. Paul goes to Macedonia, and thence to Troas.
7. He celebrates the Lord's supper, and preaches.
9. Eutychus having fallen down dead is raised to life.
13. Paul continues his travels;
17. and at Miletum he calls the elders together, tells them what shall befall to himself,
28. commits God's flock to them,
29. warns them of false teachers,
32. commends them to God,
36. prays with them, and departs.














Paul had decided
The phrase "Paul had decided" indicates a deliberate and intentional choice made by the Apostle Paul. The Greek word used here is "κρίνας" (krinas), which implies a judgment or determination. This decision reflects Paul's leadership and his ability to prioritize his mission. In the broader context of his ministry, Paul often had to make strategic decisions to further the spread of the Gospel, demonstrating his commitment to God's calling.

to sail past Ephesus
"Sail past Ephesus" suggests a conscious decision to bypass a significant city where Paul had previously spent considerable time. Ephesus was a major center of early Christianity and a place where Paul had established a strong church. The choice to sail past it indicates Paul's urgency and focus on his immediate goal. Historically, Ephesus was a bustling port city, and bypassing it would have been a notable decision, emphasizing Paul's dedication to his mission.

to avoid spending time
The phrase "to avoid spending time" highlights Paul's awareness of the potential for delays. The Greek word "χρονίζω" (chronizo) means to linger or delay. Paul understood that visiting Ephesus could lead to extended stays due to the relationships and responsibilities he had there. This reflects a disciplined approach to his ministry, where he balanced personal connections with the overarching mission.

in the province of Asia
"In the province of Asia" refers to the Roman province located in what is now western Turkey. This area was a significant region for early Christian evangelism. Paul's previous experiences in Asia, including challenges and successes, informed his decision-making. The historical context of Asia as a hub of commerce and culture made it a strategic location for spreading the Gospel, yet Paul chose to prioritize his journey to Jerusalem.

because he was in a hurry
"Because he was in a hurry" underscores the urgency of Paul's mission. The Greek word "σπεύδων" (speudon) conveys a sense of haste and eagerness. This urgency was not merely personal but was driven by a spiritual purpose. Paul felt a compelling need to be in Jerusalem, reflecting his deep commitment to God's timing and plans.

to reach Jerusalem
"To reach Jerusalem" indicates Paul's destination and the focal point of his journey. Jerusalem held significant spiritual and cultural importance as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. Paul's desire to be there highlights his connection to the Jewish roots of Christianity and his role in bridging Jewish and Gentile believers.

if possible
"If possible" reveals Paul's reliance on God's providence. The Greek phrase "εἰ δυνατὸν" (ei dynaton) suggests a recognition of human limitations and the need for divine intervention. Paul understood that despite his plans, the ultimate outcome was in God's hands, demonstrating his faith and humility.

by the day of Pentecost
"By the day of Pentecost" refers to the Jewish feast celebrated fifty days after Passover, marking the giving of the Law at Sinai and, for Christians, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Paul's aim to be in Jerusalem by this time underscores the significance of Pentecost as a moment of unity and empowerment for the early church. It reflects his desire to participate in this pivotal event, aligning his mission with God's redemptive timeline.

(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 said in the Note on Acts 2:1, the Feast that attracted most pilgrims from all parts of the world, and therefore gave most scope for his work as an Apostle, especially for the great task of healing the growing breach between the Jewish and Gentile Christians. (2) It revived the memories and the power of the great day which had been the birthday of the Church's life as a distinct society. (3) St. Paul was contemplating a journey from Syria to Rome after his visit, and that would hardly have been feasible had he waited for the Feast of the Tabernacles. It might have seemed at first as if there was little gained in point of time by sending for the elders to come to him instead of going to them. We must remember, however, that had he taken the journey he would have been exposed to the accidents of travel, perhaps to a fresh riot like that of Demetrius, and might have been detained beyond the day fixed for the departure of the ship. By remaining at Miletus it was in his power to embark at any moment.

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. The day of Pentecost. The time of year is rims very distinctly marked. Paul was at Philippi at the time of the Passover, and hoped to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

had decided
Κεκρίκει (Kekrikei)
Verb - Pluperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2919: Properly, to distinguish, i.e. Decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.

to sail past
παραπλεῦσαι (parapleusai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3896: To sail past (without stopping there). From para and pleo; to sail near.

Ephesus
Ἔφεσον (Epheson)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2181: Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.

to
ὅπως (hopōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 3704: From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).

avoid
γένηται (genētai)
Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

spending time
χρονοτριβῆσαι (chronotribēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5551: From a presumed compound of chronos and the base of tribos; to be a time-wearer, i.e. To procrastinate.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

[the province of] Asia,
Ἀσίᾳ (Asia)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 773: Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or only its western shore.

because
γὰρ (gar)
Conjunction
Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason.

he was in a hurry
ἔσπευδεν (espeuden)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4692: To hasten, urge on, desire earnestly. Probably strengthened from pous; to 'speed', i.e. Urge on; by implication, to await eagerly.

to reach
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

Jerusalem,
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

if
εἰ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

possible,
δυνατὸν (dynaton)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.

by the
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

day
ἡμέραν (hēmeran)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 2250: A day, the period from sunrise to sunset.

of Pentecost.
Πεντηκοστῆς (Pentēkostēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4005: Feminine of the ordinal of pentekonta; fiftieth from Passover, i.e. The festival of 'Pentecost'.


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