Bible Strands
Acts 20:16
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.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — The narrator recounts Paul’s travel plans while the missionary party is anchored at Miletus, having just passed Chios and Samos. The account addresses the broader Christian community regarding Paul’s route toward Jerusalem.
The words — The Greek verb κεκρίκει (kekrikei) translates literally as "had decided," indicating a settled resolution. The infinitive παραπλεῦσαι (parapleusai) means "to sail by," describing Paul’s deliberate choice to bypass Ephesus.
The thread — This urgency to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost echoes Paul’s earlier resolution in Acts 19:21 and contrasts with his stated plan to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost in 1 Corinthians 16:8. The Jerusalem Pentecost event in Acts 2:1 provides the temporal target for his journey.
Why it lands — The text requires the reader to recognize that Paul’s logistical decisions are driven by a specific deadline rather than personal convenience. It demands attention to how apostolic ministry adapts its route to meet a fixed religious obligation.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- 1 Corinthians 16:8 But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,
- Acts 2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.
- 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 20:6 And after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi, and five days later we rejoined them in Troas, where we stayed seven days.
- Exodus 34:22 And 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 18:19 When they reached Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. He himself went into the synagogue there and reasoned with the Jews.
- 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 20:13 We 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 20:22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
- 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.