Acts 18:20

20 and they having requested [him] to remain a longer time with them, he did not consent,

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 Paul having remained yet a good many days, having taken leave of the brethren, was sailing to Syria -- and with him [are] Priscilla and Aquilas -- having shorn [his] head in Cenchera, for he had a vow;

19 and he came down to Ephesus, and did leave them there, and he himself having entered into the synagogue did reason with the Jews:

20 and they having requested [him] to remain a longer time with them, he did not consent,

21 but 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,

22 and having come down to Cesarea, having gone up, and having saluted the assembly, he went down to Antioch.