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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - Acts 20:16 - 20:16
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
For Paul had determined (kekrikei gar ho Paulos). Past perfect active (correct text) of krinō and not the aorist ekrine. Either Paul controlled the ship or the captain was willing to oblige him.
To sail past Ephesus (parapleusai tēn Epheson). First aorist active infinitive of parapleō, old verb to sail beside, only here in the N.T.
That he might not have (hopōs mē genētai autōi). Final clause (negative) with aorist middle subjunctive of ginomai and dative “that it might not happen to him.”
To spend time (chronotribēsai). First aorist active of the late compound verb chronotribeō (chronos, time, tribō, to spend), only here in the N.T. The verb tribō, 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 (Romans 15) that the presentation of this collection at Pentecost to the Jewish Christians would have a wholesome influence as it had done once before (Act 11:30).
He was hastening (espeuden). Imperfect active of speudō, old verb to hasten as in Luk 2:16.
If it were possible for him (ei dunaton eiē autōi). 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 (tēn hēmeran tēs pentēkostēs). Note the accusative case. Paul wanted to be there for the whole day. See Act 2:1 for this very phrase.