King James Version

What Does Acts 20:16 Mean?

Acts 20:16 in the King James Version says “For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possi... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For 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.

Acts 20:16 · KJV


Context

14

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

15

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

16

For 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.

17

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

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,


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus (παρέπλευσεν, parepleusen—to sail past)—a deliberate strategic decision showing apostolic priorities. Paul intentionally avoided stopping at Ephesus despite his deep love for this church (Acts 19:8-10; 20:31). The verb 'determined' (κρίνω, krinō) indicates a firm, reasoned decision.

He hasted...to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost—Pentecost (πεντηκοστή, pentēkostē—'fiftieth day') came fifty days after Passover, when Jerusalem swelled with Jewish pilgrims from across the empire. Paul's urgency reflects both pastoral duty (delivering the Gentile collection, Romans 15:25-27) and personal devotion to his Jewish heritage. Despite knowing 'bonds and afflictions' awaited him (Acts 20:23), he pressed toward Jerusalem with prophetic resolve, foreshadowing Christ's own steadfast journey to the cross (Luke 9:51).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This occurred during Paul's third missionary journey (circa AD 57), as he traveled from Greece toward Jerusalem. Ephesus had been Paul's ministry base for three years (Acts 19:8-10; 20:31), making his decision to bypass it remarkable. The Pentecost deadline suggests Paul planned to participate in the temple festivities and present the Gentile churches' financial gift to the impoverished Jerusalem believers—a visible demonstration of unity between Jewish and Gentile Christianity.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Paul's willingness to bypass beloved friends for a higher calling teach about Christian priorities and stewardship of time?
  2. How does Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem despite prophesied suffering (Acts 20:23) model faithful obedience when God's will leads into hardship?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 28 words
ἔκρινεν1 of 28

had determined

G2919

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

γὰρ2 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

3 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος4 of 28

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

παραπλεῦσαι5 of 28

to sail by

G3896

to sail near

τὴν6 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἔφεσον7 of 28

Ephesus

G2181

ephesus, a city of asia minor

ὅπως8 of 28

because

G3704

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

μὴ9 of 28

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

γενέσθαι10 of 28

to be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

αὐτῷ11 of 28

for him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

χρονοτριβῆσαι12 of 28

spend

G5551

to be a time-wearer, i.e., to procrastinate (linger)

ἐν13 of 28

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῇ14 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀσίᾳ·15 of 28

Asia

G773

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

ἔσπευδεν16 of 28

he hasted

G4692

to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly

γὰρ17 of 28

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

εἰ18 of 28

if

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

δυνατὸν19 of 28

possible

G1415

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

ἦν20 of 28

it were

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

αὐτῷ21 of 28

for him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὴν22 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἡμέραν23 of 28

the day

G2250

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

τῆς24 of 28
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πεντηκοστῆς25 of 28

of Pentecost

G4005

fiftieth (g2250 being implied) from passover, i.e., the festival of "pentecost"

γενέσθαι26 of 28

to be

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

εἰς27 of 28

at

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱεροσόλυμα28 of 28

Jerusalem

G2414

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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