Acts 20:16

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, not to detain himself in Asia, for he hasted to keep the day of Pentecost, if it were possible for him, in Jerusalem.

Acts 20:16 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 20:16

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus
That is, to sail by it, without calling at it, as he did, for it lay by the shore before he came to Miletus; but he chose not to stop there, fearing he should be detained by the brethren there:

because he would not spend the time in Asia;
of which Ephesus was the metropolis:

for he hasted, if it were possible, for him to be at Jerusalem the
day of Pentecost:
which was near at hand; for it was but fifty days from the second day of the passover, which feast was over when he sailed from Philippi; and at Troas he stayed seven days, and he had been several days sailing already; see ( Acts 20:6 Acts 20:13-15 ) . And his great desire to be at the feast of Pentecost was not in order to keep that feast, according to the usage of the Jews; but that he might have an opportunity of preaching the Gospel to a great number of Jews, out of all countries, whom he knew would come to that feast.

Acts 20:16 In-Context

14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in and came to Mitylene.

15 And we sailed from there and came the next day over against Chios, and the next day we arrived in port at Samos; and having rested in Trogyllium, the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, not to detain himself in Asia, for he hasted to keep the day of Pentecost, if it were possible for him, in Jerusalem.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the congregation {Gr. ekklesia – called out ones}.

18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,