Acts 18:20

20 And when they prayed, that he should dwell more time, he consented not,

Acts 18:20 Meaning and Commentary

Acts 18:20

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them
Either Aquila and Priscilla, whom he left here, for here they were, as is certain from Ac 18:24,26
or rather the Jews with whom he reasoned, who might be desirous of further conference with him, upon the subject they had disputed about; either in order to gain more knowledge, or in hopes of baffling and confounding him:

he consented not;
for a reason afterwards given.

Acts 18:20 In-Context

18 And when Paul had abided many days, he said farewell to brethren, and by boat came to Syria. And Priscilla and Aquila came with him [saying farewell to brethren, by boat came to Syria, and with him, Priscilla and Aquila], which had clipped his head in Cenchrea; for he had a vow.

19 And he came to Ephesus, and there he left them; and he went into the synagogue, and disputed with Jews.

20 And when they prayed, that he should dwell more time, he consented not,

21 but he made farewell to brethren, and said [and saying], [It behooveth me to make the solemn day coming at Jerusalem, and] again I shall turn again to you, if God will [God willing]; and he went forth from Ephesus.

22 And he came down to Caesarea, and he went up [and ascended up], and greeted the church, and came down to Antioch.