Acts 20:16 - Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)

Acts 20:16

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him on board and came to Mitylene.

15 We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus, so that he would not have to spend time in Asia; for ^ahe was hurrying ^bto be at Jerusalem, if possible, on ^cthe Day of Pentecost.

The Ephesian Elders Exhorted

17 From Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church.

18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, ^afrom the first day that I came to Asia, in what manner I always lived among you,

19 serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears and trials which happened to me ^aby the plotting of the Jews;

20 how ^aI kept back nothing that was helpful, but proclaimed it to you, and taught you publicly and from house to house,

Commentaries:

Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)

<< Acts 20:15

Acts 20:17 >>

Acts 20:16

For Paul had determined (kekrikei gar o Paulov). Past perfect active (correct text) of krinw and not the aorist ekrine. Either Paul controlled the ship or the captain was willing to oblige him.

To sail past Ephesus (parapleusai thn Efeson). First aorist active infinitive of paraplew, old verb to sail beside, only here in the N.T.

That he might not have (opwv mh genhtai autw). Final clause (negative) with aorist middle subjunctive of ginomai and dative "that it might not happen to him."

To spend time (xronotribhsai). First aorist active of the late compound verb xronotribew (xronov, time, tribw, to spend), only here in the N.T. The verb tribw, to rub, to wear out by rubbing, lends itself to the idea of wasting time. It was only a year ago that Paul had left Ephesus in haste after the riot. It was not expedient to go back so soon if he meant to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost. Paul clearly felt (Rom. 15) that the presentation of this collection at Pentecost to the Jewish Christians would have a wholesome influence as it had done once before (Acts 11:30).

He was hastening (espeuden). Imperfect active of speudw, old verb to hasten as in Luke 2:16; 19:56.

If it were possible for him (ei dunaton eih autw). Condition of the fourth class (optative mode), if it should be possible for him. The form is a remote possibility. It was only some thirty days till Pentecost.

The day of Pentecost (thn hmeran thv penthkosthv). Note the accusative case. Paul wanted to be there for the whole day. See Acts 2:1 for this very phrase.

Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing Acts 20:16:

Acts 17:11
Acts 18:21
Acts 20:6
Acts 20:15
Acts 21:20
Acts 21:27
Acts 24:17
Revelation 3:3

<< Acts 20:15

Acts 20:17 >>

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