Acts 18 20

Acts 18:20 kjv

When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;

Acts 18:20 nkjv

When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent,

Acts 18:20 niv

When they asked him to spend more time with them, he declined.

Acts 18:20 esv

When they asked him to stay for a longer period, he declined.

Acts 18:20 nlt

They asked him to stay longer, but he declined.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 20 Meaning

Acts 18:20 concisely states that despite an earnest invitation from the Jewish community in Ephesus to extend his preaching, the Apostle Paul decisively declined their request. This refusal indicates Paul's firm adherence to a divine schedule or personal commitment that necessitated his immediate departure, illustrating his disciplined approach to missionary travel and his prioritizing of God's specific timing and leading over human preferences or seemingly beneficial opportunities.

Acts 18 20 Context

Acts 18 recounts the Apostle Paul's significant missionary journey. Having established a flourishing church in Corinth, where he stayed for eighteen months, Paul, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila, sails from Cenchrea, making a brief stop in Ephesus on his way to Syria. During this short visit (Acts 18:19), he enters the synagogue, as was his custom, and engages with the Jewish community, reasoning with them about the Gospel. This verse (Acts 18:20) immediately follows this synagogue interaction. The Ephesian Jews, intrigued and receptive to his teaching, ask him to stay longer, indicating a promising beginning for the gospel there. However, Paul's decisive refusal, followed by his declaration in Acts 18:21 to be in Jerusalem for an upcoming feast and his promise to return to Ephesus later, reveals that his movements are governed not by popular appeal but by a pre-ordained divine plan and personal spiritual commitment. This strategic decision foreshadows his future extensive ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19).

Acts 18 20 Word analysis

• Word by word analysis:

  • And when (Κἀκεῖνος – Kakeinos): Implies a sequential action, following his discourse in the synagogue. It emphasizes the immediacy of the request.
  • they (αὐτῶν – autōn): Refers specifically to the Jews in the Ephesian synagogue (Acts 18:19).
  • desired him (παρακαλοῦντες – parakalountes, from parakaleō): Literally "calling alongside," signifying an earnest request, invitation, or entreaty, not just a casual suggestion. It conveys a strong appeal born of interest and perhaps conviction.
  • to stay (μεῖναι – meinai, from menō): To remain, abide, or dwell.
  • longer (ἐπὶ πλείονα χρόνον – epi pleiona chronon): Literally "for more time." It suggests extending his present brief visit, indicating a desire for a more prolonged period of teaching and fellowship.
  • he did not consent (οὐκ ἐπένευσεν – ouk epeneusen, from epeneuō): Ouk is a strong negation ("not"). Epeneuō means "to nod assent," "to give permission," or "to approve." Therefore, Paul's response was a clear, definite, and unyielding refusal. It was not a hesitation but a firm resolve.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "When they desired him to stay longer": This phrase highlights the positive receptivity of the Ephesian Jewish community. Despite his short initial visit, Paul's preaching was impactful enough for them to earnestly request his continued presence, demonstrating an open door for the Gospel. This context is vital as it shows Paul making a conscious, not compelled, decision against extending his stay.
  • "he did not consent": This emphasizes Paul's decisive and unwavering adherence to his divinely ordained travel plans or personal commitments (potentially the vow mentioned in Acts 18:18, leading to Jerusalem for a feast in Acts 18:21). It showcases Paul's discipline in ministry, not being swayed by favorable human desires when God's timing and direction pointed elsewhere. His strong refusal underscores that he operated under a higher authority and a specific sense of urgency.

Acts 18 20 Bonus section

• Paul's strategic approach to missions is evident; he knew when to plant a seed and when to move on, trusting God for the growth and for subsequent visits. His decision here demonstrates a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance concerning the "where" and "when" of his evangelistic efforts, preventing human desires from dictating the divine agenda.
• The connection to a Nazirite vow (Acts 18:18) among some scholars suggests a profound spiritual discipline and commitment, underscoring that his movements were deeply intertwined with his spiritual devotion and specific divine appointments.
• This passage highlights that faithfulness to God's call sometimes involves saying "no" to opportunities that, by human standards, appear excellent, for the sake of greater obedience to a specific, deeper calling. It reinforces that effective ministry is rooted in divine timing and specific assignments, rather than simply pursuing every open door.

Acts 18 20 Commentary

Paul's concise refusal to prolong his stay in Ephesus, despite a warm reception, is a profound statement about his unwavering commitment to God's precise leading in ministry. This was not a dismissive act, but rather a strategic decision dictated by a divine timeline and personal spiritual priorities, likely tied to his vow and the impending feast in Jerusalem mentioned in the subsequent verse (Acts 18:21). His decision showcases an apostle who walked in absolute obedience to God’s plan, prioritizing a deeper call over immediate human appeal, even when the latter seemed highly advantageous. It demonstrates the wisdom of discerning God's best even over what might be a good opportunity, teaching us the importance of aligning our steps with divine providence, trusting that God's timing and future provision are perfect. Paul’s subsequent extended ministry in Ephesus (Acts 19) powerfully confirms that this initial departure was merely part of God's larger, perfectly orchestrated plan for the city.