Acts 20:16 kjv
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 nkjv
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hurrying to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the Day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:16 niv
Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:16 esv
For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he might not have to spend time in Asia, for he was hastening to be at Jerusalem, if possible, on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:16 nlt
Paul had decided to sail on past Ephesus, for he didn't want to spend any more time in the province of Asia. He was hurrying to get to Jerusalem, if possible, in time for the Festival of Pentecost.
Acts 20 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 20:16 | Paul ... hastened ... to be at Jerusalem on Pentecost. | Acts 20:16 (Key Verse) |
| Acts 21:4 | Finding the disciples, they stayed there seven days. | Acts 21:4 (Encounter with disciples) |
| Acts 21:10-14 | Agabus prophesies Paul's imprisonment. | Acts 21:10-14 (Foreknowledge of suffering) |
| 1 Cor 16:8 | I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. | 1 Cor 16:8 (Paul's plans for Pentecost) |
| Romans 15:25 | Paul is going to Jerusalem with aid for the saints. | Rom 15:25 (Purpose of Jerusalem trip) |
| 2 Cor 8:4 | Corinthians had generously offered to share in the ministry. | 2 Cor 8:4 (Aid for Jerusalem saints) |
| Gal 2:10 | The apostles asked Paul to remember the poor. | Gal 2:10 (Ministry to the poor) |
| Rom 1:11-12 | Paul longed to impart spiritual gifts to them. | Rom 1:11-12 (Desire for spiritual fellowship) |
| Phil 3:10 | Paul desired to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. | Phil 3:10 (Christ-centered pursuit) |
| Col 1:23 | Paul continued in the faith, grounded and steadfast. | Col 1:23 (Steadfastness in faith) |
| 2 Tim 4:6-7 | Paul was ready to be poured out as a drink offering. | 2 Tim 4:6-7 (Readiness for sacrifice) |
| Acts 20:22 | Paul testified in every city about the Holy Spirit. | Acts 20:22 (Continuing testimony) |
| Acts 20:23 | The Holy Spirit testifies that imprisonment awaits. | Acts 20:23 (Divine forewarning) |
| Acts 20:24 | Paul's aim was to finish his course and ministry. | Acts 20:24 (Focus on ministry's completion) |
| Acts 19:21 | Paul resolved to go to Macedonia and Achaia. | Acts 19:21 (Previous travel plans) |
| 1 Cor 4:17 | Timothy was sent to remind them of Paul's ways. | 1 Cor 4:17 (Timothy's ministry role) |
| Eph 1:4 | God chose us in Him before the foundation of the world. | Eph 1:4 (God's eternal purpose) |
| John 16:7 | Jesus promised the coming of the Holy Spirit. | John 16:7 (Promise of the Spirit) |
| John 14:16 | Jesus promised the Helper (the Holy Spirit). | John 14:16 (Role of the Spirit) |
| Ps 40:7 | The law of God was written on David's heart. | Ps 40:7 (Obedience from the heart) |
| Ex 23:14-16 | Israel was to observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread and the Feast of Weeks. | Ex 23:14-16 (Mosaic feasts) |
| Deut 16:10-12 | The Feast of Weeks celebrated the grain harvest. | Deut 16:10-12 (Meaning of Pentecost) |
Acts 20 verses
Acts 20 16 Meaning
Paul was hastening to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, despite knowing the spiritual opposition he would face. His decision demonstrates his commitment to fulfilling God's will and his desire to fellowship with believers at this significant Feast of Weeks.
Acts 20 16 Context
This verse is situated within Paul's journey towards Jerusalem. After concluding his ministry in Ephesus and sending for the elders, Paul intended to travel through Macedonia and Achaia before heading to Jerusalem. He makes a specific decision to bypass Ephesus to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. This journey is significant as Paul is carrying financial contributions from the Gentile churches for the impoverished Jewish believers in Jerusalem, an act of reconciliation and unity. However, throughout his travels, Paul is repeatedly warned by the Holy Spirit about the suffering and imprisonment awaiting him in Jerusalem, making his eagerness to go there a demonstration of profound faith and obedience.
Acts 20 16 Word Analysis
ἔσπευσεν (espeusen): This is the imperfect active indicative third-person singular of the verb σπεύδω (speudo). It means to hasten, make haste, or be eager. It implies not just physical speed but also a mental alacrity and desire to accomplish something quickly.
εἰς (eis): A preposition that generally means "into," "to," "towards." Here, it indicates the destination of his journey.
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma): The Greek name for Jerusalem. It was the religious and cultural capital of Judaism and the place where the early Christian community was centered.
διεράπεσθαι (dierapesthai): This is the aorist passive infinitive of the verb διαπεράω (diaperao). It means to pass through or to pass over. Used with the place of destination, it means to reach.
τὴν (tēn): The feminine singular accusative definite article ("the").
Ἑορτὴν (Heorten): The accusative singular of ἑορτή (heorte), meaning "feast" or "festival."
τῶν (tōn): The genitive plural of the definite article ("of the").
Πεντηκοστῆς (Pentēkostēs): The genitive singular of πεντηκοστή (pentēkostē), meaning "Pentecost" or "Feast of Weeks" (also known as the Feast of Harvest or Day of Firstfruits). It was celebrated fifty days after Passover.
Words-group analysis:
- "hastened to be at Jerusalem on Pentecost": This phrase highlights Paul's intentionality and urgency. It contrasts with the prophetic warnings he received, showing his faith in God's plan despite the known dangers. His timing suggests a desire to participate in the spiritual significance of Pentecost, a time of great gathering and divine impartation.
Acts 20 16 Bonus Section
The word "Pentecost" itself (Πεντηκοστή - Pentēkostē) meaning "fiftieth," directly links to the Old Testament feast celebrated fifty days after Passover. This festival celebrated the wheat harvest and commemorated the giving of the Law on Mount Sinai. In the New Testament, Pentecost becomes a pivotal moment with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the disciples, fulfilling Jesus' promise (Acts 2). Paul's desire to be present underscores the theological significance of this event, where the new covenant, empowered by the Spirit, was inaugurated, transcending ethnic and national boundaries. His journey to Jerusalem during this feast can be seen as an anticipation of the Spirit's work in unifying the church.
Acts 20 16 Commentary
Paul's decision to hasten to Jerusalem for Pentecost reveals his unwavering commitment to his mission and his spiritual priorities. Despite foreknowledge of imprisonment, he pressed forward, demonstrating immense courage and faith. His eagerness to be present for this important festival signifies his adherence to Jewish customs and his desire to unite Jewish and Gentile believers in worship. This act of pressing on towards his objective, even with perilous knowledge, serves as a powerful example of Christian perseverance.