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.
Parallel translations
- WEB 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.
- KJV 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.
- NKJV 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.
- NASB 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.
- NLT 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.
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
Paul deliberately sails past Ephesus to save time, hoping to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. His urgency shapes his travel plans.
Overview
Rather than risk a lengthy stay in Ephesus, where he had ministered for years, Paul presses on toward Jerusalem to arrive for the feast of Pentecost. His haste likely also relates to delivering the relief offering. Paul's single-minded devotion to his God-given mission, even at the cost of beloved fellowship, marks his whole ministry.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 13
- 1 Cor 16:8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
- Acts 2:1When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
- Acts 19:21After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”
- Acts 20:6And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.
- Acts 24:17After several years, then, I returned to Jerusalem to bring alms to my people and to present offerings.
- Acts 20:13We went on ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had arranged this because he was going there on foot.
- Acts 18:19When they reached Ephesus, Paul parted ways with Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
- Acts 20:22And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
- Acts 21:4We 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.
- Rom 15:24–28I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey.
- Exod 34:22And you are to celebrate the Feast of Weeks with the firstfruits of the wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingathering at the turn of the year.
- Acts 18:21But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.
- Acts 12:13He knocked at the outer gate, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer it.
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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.
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Original language
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