Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
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
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