Acts 18 21

Acts 18:21 kjv

But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 18:21 nkjv

but took leave of them, saying, "I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing." And he sailed from Ephesus.

Acts 18:21 niv

But as he left, he promised, "I will come back if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 18:21 esv

But on taking leave of them he said, "I will return to you if God wills," and he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 18:21 nlt

As he left, however, he said, "I will come back later, God willing." Then he set sail from Ephesus.

Acts 18 verses

Acts 18 21 Meaning

Paul, having the opportunity, departed from Ephesus, prioritizing his ministry further, a decision rooted in his unwavering commitment to spreading the Gospel. He resolved to go to Macedonia, fulfilling a prior commitment and furthering his evangelistic mission, understanding that opportunities for proclaiming Christ are precious and transient.

Acts 18 21 Context

This verse occurs within Paul's extensive missionary journeys, specifically during his time in Ephesus, a major Roman city in Asia Minor. Following a significant period of ministry there (Acts 19:1-10, 17-20), Paul decided to move on. His intention to go to Macedonia indicates a strategic move to reinforce established churches and to advance the Gospel into new territories. This decision was not made lightly, but as part of his broader mission and understanding of God's leading. The departure signifies the transient nature of his ministry in a given location and his ongoing commitment to obedience to Christ's call. His interaction with the church in Ephesus, and his prior ministries in Corinth and other regions of Greece and Asia, shape this decision.

Acts 18 21 Word Analysis

• "οὐκ ὀφείλων" (ouk opheilōn): "not owing" or "not being obligated." This expresses a voluntary departure, not one compelled by necessity or lack of success. Paul was not obligated to stay longer, suggesting freedom to move based on his apostolic mandate.
• "τῇ Ἀσίᾳ" (tē Asia): "to Asia." This refers to the Roman province of Asia, a key region in western Asia Minor.
• "ἀλλ’" (all'): "but." This conjunction introduces a contrast, highlighting the positive intention of his departure.
• "ἀπῆλθεν" (apēlthen): "departed" or "went away." A past tense verb indicating completion of his leaving Ephesus.
• "εἰς" (eis): "into" or "to." Indicates direction and destination.
• "Μακεδονίαν" (Makedonian): "Macedonia." A region in northern Greece, an area where Paul had previously ministered and established churches.
• "εὐξάμενος" (euxamenos): "having made a vow" or "having prayed earnestly." This word, often related to vows or strong supplication, suggests a prayerful and perhaps committed intention regarding his future travels, possibly linked to an antecedent prayer or promise made.
• "συνάψει" (synapsē): "to join," "to connect," or "to appoint." Refers to continuing or setting up meetings, implying purposefulness in his journey, not aimless travel.
• "δέησιν" (deēsin): "request," "supplication," or "prayer." Reinforces the preceding participle "euxamenos," emphasizing the prayerful commitment to his future ministry.

Words-group by words-group Analysis

• "οὐκ ὀφείλων τῇ Ἀσίᾳ ἀλλ’ ἀπῆλθεν εἰς Μακεδονίαν" (ouk opheilōn tē Asia all' apēlthen eis Makedonian): This phrase emphasizes Paul's discretionary choice to leave Asia. He wasn't driven away or obliged to stay; rather, he was compelled by his mission to press onward into Macedonia, demonstrating his proactive engagement with the Great Commission. His ministry in Ephesus had yielded fruit, but his heart was set on advancing the Gospel, not on lingering where his presence was not required by God.

Acts 18 21 Bonus Section

The decision to go to Macedonia indicates Paul's responsiveness to the needs of the churches he had already established there, as well as his willingness to face challenges and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. The churches in Macedonia, such as Philippi and Thessalonica, had shown a strong and steadfast faith, and Paul's return was likely to offer spiritual encouragement and guidance. This passage also implicitly contrasts Paul's obedience with the apostasy and challenges faced by some in Asia, as hinted at in the Ephesian correspondence in Revelation. His earnest prayer before departing shows a reliance on divine guidance for his travels and future ministry.

Acts 18 21 Commentary

Paul’s departure from Ephesus to Macedonia was not a retreat but a strategic advance. He did not feel bound to remain in Ephesus, indicating that his decision was guided by a higher purpose—to obey Christ’s call to spread the Gospel. The phrase "having made a vow/prayed earnestly" suggests his journey was undertaken with deliberate prayer and a commitment, perhaps even a self-imposed vow to continue his ministry unhindered. His desire to "connect/continue" in Macedonia implies he had planned further ministry in that region, building upon previous work. This verse underscores Paul's intentionality and dedication to mission, demonstrating that the Christian life involves forward movement and strategic planning rooted in prayer.