They asked him to stay longer, but he declined.
Parallel translations
- WEB When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined;
- KJV When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
- BSB When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined.
- NKJV When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,
- NASB When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent,
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Though the Ephesians asked Paul to stay longer, he declined.
Overview
The openness of the Ephesian synagogue contrasts with the hostility Paul often met, yet he chose to move on. His reason, given next, was a desire to keep a feast in Jerusalem. The episode shows Paul ordering his steps by God's larger purposes rather than by immediate opportunity alone.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 4
- Mark 1:37–38and they found him, and told him, “Everyone is looking for you.”
- 1 Cor 16:12Now concerning Apollos, the brother, I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers; and it was not at all his desire to come now; but he will come when he has an opportunity.
- Acts 21:13–14Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
- Acts 20:16For 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.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 18:20 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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