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Acts 20:16

New Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Acts 20:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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.
Acts 20:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Acts 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13But 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.
14And when he met us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.
15And sailing from thence, we came the following day over against Chios; and the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after we came to Miletus.
16For 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.
17And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called to him the elders of the church.
18And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, after what manner I was with you all the time,
19serving the Lord with all lowliness of mind, and with tears, and with trials which befell me by the plots of the Jews;
← Acts 20:15Acts 20:17 →
← Full Chapter 20 Acts Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, etc.] 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 <442006>Acts 20:6,13-15). And his great desire to be at the feast…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For Paul had determined to sail by--or "sail past." Ephesus--He was right opposite to it when approaching Chios. because he would not spend time in Asia--the Asian province of which Ephesus was the chief city. for he hasted, if . . . possible . . . to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost--as a suitable season for giving in the great collection from all the western churches, for keeping the feast, and clearing his apostolic position with the Church, then represented in large number at Jerusalem. The words imply that there was considerable ground to doubt if he would attain this object--for more than three of the seven weeks from Passover to Pentecost had already expired--and they are inserted…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To sail by Ephesus - The word “by” in our translation is ambiguous. We say to go by a place, meaning either to take it in our way and to go to it, or to go past it. Here it means the latter. He intended to sail past Ephesus without going to it. For he hasted ... - Had he gone to Ephesus, he would probably have been so delayed in his journey that he could not reach Jerusalem at the time of Pentecost. The day of Pentecost - See the notes on Acts 2:1. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“20:16 The Festival of Pentecost was one of the three Jewish pilgrimage festivals (see study note on 2:1-4).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“had: Act 20:13, Act 18:21, Act 19:21, Act 21:4, Act 12:13, Act 24:17; Rom 15:24-28 the day: Act 2:1; Exo 34:22; Co1 16:8 Acts 20:17”
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Related study paths

Read Acts 20 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification