Acts 20:16
What does Acts 20:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 20:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 20:16 means
Paul has decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid delay in Asia because he is hurrying to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost. The verse reveals how Paul balances deep affection for churches with a larger, time-bound mission. He honors rhythms of the Jewish calendar while pursuing a Gentile mission, signaling continuity with God’s redemptive story. His haste is not restlessness but obedience to a calling that includes suffering, as he will soon disclose. Strategy, stewardship of time, and submission to God’s timetable work together as he nears the crucial meeting with the Ephesian elders.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For Paul's purpose was to go past Ephesus, so that he might not be kept in Asia; for he was going quickly, in order, if possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for 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.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for Paul thought it desirable to sail by Ephesus, so that he might not be made to spend time in Asia; for he hastened, if it was possible for him, to be the day of Pentecost at Jerusalem.
Context
This explanatory note answers why Paul did not stop in Ephesus itself. It prepares for verse 17, where he calls the elders to meet him at Miletus. That gathering will open a major section (verses 18–35) in which Paul reviews his ministry, predicts future dangers, and charges the elders to shepherd God’s flock. The urgency to reach Jerusalem frames the solemnity and brevity of this encounter: he cannot stay long, so he must speak plainly and decisively.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 20:13
But we, going before to the ship, set sail for Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, intending himself to go by land.
- Acts 18:19
And they came to Ephesus, and he left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
- Exodus 34:22
And thou shalt observe the feast of weeks, even of the first-fruits of wheat harvest, and the feast of ingathering at the year’s end.
- Acts 12:13
And when he knocked at the door of the gate, a maid came to answer, named Rhoda.
- Acts 18:21
but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus.
- 1 Corinthians 16:8
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;
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