Acts 18:21
What does Acts 18:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 18:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 18:21 means
Paul takes leave, saying, “I will return again to you if God will,” and sails from Ephesus. His words model humble submission to divine providence: plans are made, but the Lord’s will is final. The conditional promise comforts the receptive synagogue—Paul intends to come back—while directing their trust to God, not to an apostle’s schedule. Sailing on, he keeps the broader mission in view. The verse displays a servant’s posture: readiness to go or stay under God’s hand. It teaches that fruitful ministry walks with open hands, acknowledging the Lord’s sovereignty over times, travels, and opportunities.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And went from them, saying, I will come back to you if God lets me; and he took ship from Ephesus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862but took leave of them, saying, `It behoveth me by all means the coming feast to keep at Jerusalem, and again I will return unto you--God willing.' And he sailed from Ephesus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But taking his leave and saying: I will return to you again, God willing, he departed from Ephesus.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890but bade them farewell, saying, [I must by all means keep the coming feast at Jerusalem]; I will return to you again, ifGod will: and he sailed away from Ephesus.
Context
Having declined a longer stay, Paul leaves Ephesus with a God-dependent promise to return. Verse 21 moves the journey forward by sea. The next verse will narrate his landing at Cæsarea, going up to greet the church, and then heading down to Antioch—bringing this missionary phase to a close and reconnecting him with the sending community.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfected; be comforted; be of the same mind; live in peace: and the God of love and peace shall be with you.
- Acts 19:21
Now 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.
- Hebrews 6:3
And this will we do, if God permit.
- Romans 15:32
that I may come unto you in joy through the will of God, and together with you find rest.
- 1 Corinthians 16:7
For I do not wish to see you now by the way; for I hope to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit.
- Acts 20:16
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.
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