CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Acts 18:21 But as he left, he said, "I will come back to you if God is willing." And he set sail from Ephesus.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/acts/18-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/44_Act_18_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Acts 18:21 - Paul Returns to Antioch" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But as he left, he said, I will come back to you if God is willing. And he set sail from Ephesus." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/acts/18-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/acts/18-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/acts/">Acts</a> > <a href="/acts/18.htm">Chapter 18</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/acts/18-20.htm" title="Acts 18:20">◄</a> Acts 18:21 <a href="/acts/18-22.htm" title="Acts 18:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/acts/18.htm">New International Version</a> But as he left, he promised, &#8220I will come back if it is God&#8217s will.&#8221 Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/nlt/acts/18.htm">New Living Translation</a> As he left, however, he said, “I will come back later, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/esv/acts/18.htm">English Standard Version</a> But on taking leave of them he said, “I will return to you if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/blb/acts/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but having taken leave and having said, "I will return to you again, God willing," he sailed from Ephesus, <a href="/kjv/acts/18.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/acts/18.htm">New King James Version</a> 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. <a href="/nasb_/acts/18.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but took leave of them and said, “I will return to you again if God wills,” and he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/nasb/acts/18.htm">NASB 1995</a> but taking leave of them and saying, &#8220I will return to you again if God wills,&#8221 he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/nasb77/acts/18.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/lsb/acts/18.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but taking leave of them and saying, “I will return to you again if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/amp/acts/18.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but after telling them goodbye and saying, “I will return again if God is willing,” he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/csb/acts/18.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but he said farewell and added, “I’ll come back to you again, if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/hcsb/acts/18.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but he said good-bye and stated, &#8220I&#8217ll come back to you again, if God wills.&#8221 Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/asv/acts/18.htm">American Standard Version</a> but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/cev/acts/18.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He told them goodbye and said, "If God lets me, I will come back." <a href="/erv/acts/18.htm">English Revised Version</a> but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you, if God will, he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/gwt/acts/18.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> As he left, he told them, "I'll come back to visit you if God wants me to." Paul took a boat from Ephesus <a href="/gnt/acts/18.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead, he told them as he left, "If it is the will of God, I will come back to you." And so he sailed from Ephesus. <a href="/isv/acts/18.htm">International Standard Version</a> As he told them goodbye, he said, "I will come back to you again if it is God's will." Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/msb/acts/18.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But as he left, he said, ?I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you if God is willing.? And he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/net/acts/18.htm">NET Bible</a> but said farewell to them and added, "I will come back to you again if God wills." Then he set sail from Ephesus, <a href="/nheb/acts/18.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but taking his leave of them, and saying, "I will return again to you if God wills," he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/wbt/acts/18.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. <a href="/wey/acts/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but took leave of them with the promise, "I will return to you, God willing." So he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/web/acts/18.htm">World English Bible</a> but taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/acts/18.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but took leave of them, saying, “It is necessary for me by all means to keep the coming celebration at Jerusalem, and again I will return to you—God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus, <a href="/blb/acts/18.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but having taken leave and having said, "I will return to you again, God willing," he sailed from Ephesus, <a href="/ylt/acts/18.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but took leave of them, saying, 'It behoveth me by all means the coming feast to keep at Jerusalem, and again I will return unto you -- God willing.' And he sailed from Ephesus, <a href="/slt/acts/18.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But he took leave of them, saying, I must at any rate do the coming festival in Jerusalem: and I will again return to you, God willing. And he was conveyed from Ephesus.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/acts/18.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But taking his leave, and saying: I will return to you again, God willing, he departed from Ephesus. <a href="/cpdv/acts/18.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Instead, saying goodbye and telling them, “I will return to you again, God willing,” he set out from Ephesus. <a href="/nabre/acts/18.htm">New American Bible</a> but as he said farewell he promised, “I shall come back to you again, God willing.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/nrsvce/acts/18.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but on taking leave of them, he said, “I will return to you, if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/acts/18.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Saying, I must by all means celebrate the coming feast as is my custom at Jerusalem; but I will return to you again, God willing. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/acts/18.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> As he said, “I must always observe the coming feast in Jerusalem, and if God wills, I shall return again to you.” And he left Aqilaus and Priscilla in Ephesaus.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/acts/18.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but took leave of them, saying: I must, by all means, keep this coming feast in Jerusalem: but I will return to you, if God be willing. And he sailed from Ephesus, <a href="/godbey/acts/18.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but having bidden them adieu; and saying, I will return unto you again, God willing; he embarked from Ephesus; <a href="/haweis/acts/18.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but took his leave of them, saying, I must by any means keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: but I mean to return to you again, if God so please. So he sailed from Ephesus. <a href="/mace/acts/18.htm">Mace New Testament</a> said he, in taking his leave, I must necessarily keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem: after which I will return to you if God permit. <a href="/wey/acts/18.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> but took leave of them with the promise, "I will return to you, God willing." So he set sail from Ephesus. <a href="/worrell/acts/18.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but, taking leave of them, and saying, "I will return to you again, God willing," he sailed from Ephesus; <a href="/worsley/acts/18.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> saying, I must by all means keep the approaching feast at Jerusalem; but I will return to you again, God willing. So he sailed from Ephesus; <a href="/parallel/acts/18-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/in5WTRQ9BSQ?start=6107" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/acts/18.htm">Paul Returns to Antioch</a> …20When they asked him to stay for a while longer, he declined. 21<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/657.htm" title="657: apotaxamenos (V-APM-NMS) -- To withdraw from, take leave of, renounce, send away. ">as he left,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/2036.htm" title="2036: eipōn (V-APA-NMS) -- Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.">he said,</a> <a href="/greek/3825.htm" title="3825: Palin (Adv) -- Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand.">“</a> <a href="/greek/344.htm" title="344: anakampsō (V-FIA-1S) -- To bend or turn back; I return. From ana and kampto; to turn back.">I will come back</a> <a href="/greek/4314.htm" title="4314: pros (Prep) -- To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.">to</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: hymas (PPro-A2P) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">if God</a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: thelontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">is willing.”</a> <a href="/greek/321.htm" title="321: anēchthē (V-AIP-3S) -- From ana and ago; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away.">And he set sail</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēs (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2181.htm" title="2181: Ephesou (N-GFS) -- Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor.">Ephesus.</a> 22When Paul had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church at Jerusalem. Then he went down to Antioch.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/james/4-15.htm">James 4:15</a> Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” <a href="/romans/15-32.htm">Romans 15:32</a> so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-19.htm">1 Corinthians 4:19</a> But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only what these arrogant people are saying, but what power they have. <a href="/1_corinthians/16-7.htm">1 Corinthians 16:7</a> For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. <a href="/hebrews/6-3.htm">Hebrews 6:3</a> And this we will do, if God permits. <a href="/philippians/2-24.htm">Philippians 2:24</a> And I trust in the Lord that I myself will come soon. <a href="/acts/19-21.htm">Acts 19:21</a> After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.” <a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Acts 20:16</a> Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. <a href="/acts/21-14.htm">Acts 21:14</a> When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.” <a href="/acts/21-25.htm">Acts 21:25</a> As for the Gentile believers, we have written to them our decision that they must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.” <a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a> You must abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things. Farewell. <a href="/acts/15-20.htm">Acts 15:20</a> Instead, we should write and tell them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. <a href="/acts/15-28.htm">Acts 15:28</a> It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements: <a href="/acts/13-43.htm">Acts 13:43</a> After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. <a href="/acts/13-46.htm">Acts 13:46</a> Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “It was necessary to speak the word of God to you first. But since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that comes in Jerusalem: but I will return again to you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.bade.<a href="/acts/15-29.htm">Acts 15:29</a> That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well.<a href="/luke/9-61.htm">Luke 9:61</a> And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.<a href="/2_corinthians/13-11.htm">2 Corinthians 13:11</a> Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.I must.<a href="/acts/20-16.htm">Acts 20:16</a> 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.<a href="/deuteronomy/16-1.htm">Deuteronomy 16:1</a> Observe the month of Abib, and keep the passover unto the LORD thy God: for in the month of Abib the LORD thy God brought thee forth out of Egypt by night.if God.<a href="/acts/19-21.htm">Acts 19:21</a> After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.<a href="/acts/21-14.htm">Acts 21:14</a> And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.<a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a> And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/acts/16-23.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/acts/18-19.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/acts/15-33.htm">Farewell</a> <a href="/acts/12-3.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/acts/17-29.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/16-4.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/18-19.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/acts/13-8.htm">Means</a> <a href="/acts/13-33.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/13-34.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/acts/16-11.htm">Sail</a> <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Sailed</a> <a href="/acts/16-11.htm">Ship</a> <a href="/john/7-44.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/john/5-21.htm">Wills</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/acts/22-24.htm">Bade</a> <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Ephesus</a> <a href="/acts/21-5.htm">Farewell</a> <a href="/acts/20-6.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/acts/18-26.htm">God's</a> <a href="/acts/18-22.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/acts/20-1.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/acts/27-12.htm">Means</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Promise</a> <a href="/acts/26-6.htm">Promised</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Sail</a> <a href="/acts/20-6.htm">Sailed</a> <a href="/acts/20-3.htm">Ship</a> <a href="/acts/24-27.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/romans/9-16.htm">Wills</a><div class="vheading2">Acts 18</div>1. <a href="/acts/18-1.htm">Paul labors with his hands, and preaches at Corinth to the Gentiles.</a> 9. <a href="/acts/18-9.htm">The Lord encourages him in a vision.</a> 12. <a href="/acts/18-12.htm">He is accused before Gallio the deputy, but is dismissed.</a> 18. <a href="/acts/18-18.htm">Afterwards passing from city to city, he strengthens the disciples.</a> 24. <a href="/acts/18-24.htm">Apollos, being instructed by Aquila and Priscilla, preaches Christ boldly.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/18.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/acts/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/acts/18.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But as he left, he said, This phrase indicates a departure, suggesting a transition in Paul's missionary journey. Paul had been in Ephesus, a major city in Asia Minor known for its temple to Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. His departure signifies the end of a significant period of ministry in this influential city. The context of <a href="/acts/18.htm">Acts 18</a> shows that Paul had been reasoning in the synagogue, which was his custom, engaging both Jews and Greeks in discussions about Jesus as the Messiah.“I will come back to you if God is willing.” Paul's statement reflects a deep reliance on God's sovereignty and a recognition of divine providence. This echoes <a href="/james/4-15.htm">James 4:15</a>, where believers are encouraged to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." It underscores the biblical principle that human plans are subject to God's will. Paul's intention to return also highlights his commitment to the believers in Ephesus, showing pastoral care and a desire to continue teaching and strengthening the church there.And he set sail from Ephesus. Ephesus was a key port city, making it a strategic location for travel and trade in the Roman Empire. Paul's departure by sea indicates the interconnectedness of the ancient world and the use of maritime routes for missionary work. This journey is part of Paul's second missionary journey, which is detailed in <a href="/acts/15-36.htm">Acts 15:36-18</a>:22. The act of setting sail also symbolizes the spread of the Gospel beyond the confines of one city, as Paul continues to fulfill the Great Commission (<a href="/matthew/28-19.htm">Matthew 28:19-20</a>) by taking the message of Christ to new regions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/p/paul.htm">Paul</a> The apostle who is central to this passage. He is on his missionary journey, spreading the Gospel and establishing churches. 2. <a href="/topical/e/ephesus.htm">Ephesus</a> A significant city in Asia Minor where Paul briefly ministered. It was known for its temple to Artemis and was a major center of commerce and culture. 3. <a href="/topical/d/departure.htm">Departure</a> The event of Paul leaving Ephesus, indicating his commitment to continue his missionary work elsewhere, but with a promise to return if it is God's will.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/s/submission_to_god's_will.htm">Submission to God's Will</a> Paul’s statement, "if God is willing," reflects a heart of submission to God's sovereignty. As believers, we should always seek to align our plans with God's will, acknowledging His ultimate authority over our lives. <a href="/topical/f/faithful_commitment.htm">Faithful Commitment</a> Despite leaving Ephesus, Paul’s promise to return if God wills shows his commitment to the believers there. We should strive to be faithful in our commitments, trusting God to guide our paths. <a href="/topical/f/flexibility_in_ministry.htm">Flexibility in Ministry</a> Paul’s willingness to change his plans based on God’s leading teaches us the importance of being flexible in our ministry and personal lives, ready to adapt as God directs. <a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_timing.htm">Trust in God's Timing</a> By leaving Ephesus with the intention to return, Paul demonstrates trust in God’s timing. We should learn to trust that God’s timing is perfect, even when it requires patience and waiting.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_acts_18.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Acts 18</a> <a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_bad_talk.htm">What role do magic arts play in Revelation?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'if_the_lord_wills'_mean.htm">What does "If the Lord wills" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_god_delay_judging_child_sacrifice.htm">Jeremiah 19:4-5 -- If God commands against child sacrifice elsewhere, why would He allow His own people to practice it for so long without immediate judgment?</a> <a href="/q/why_do_some_texts_allow_believers'_vengeance.htm">In Romans 12:19, if 'vengeance is mine' belongs to God, why do other biblical texts approve of direct punishment by believers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/acts/18.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) I must by all means keep this feast that Cometh.--Literally, the coming, or, the next feast. This was, probably, as has been said, the Feast of Pentecost. (See Note on <a href="/acts/18-18.htm" title="And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brothers, and sailed there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.">Acts 18:18</a>.) If he missed that, there would be no other feast till that of Tabernacles; and then, in October, travelling, whether by sea or land, became dangerous and difficult. (See Note on <a href="/acts/27-9.htm" title="Now when much time was spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul admonished them,">Acts 27:9</a>.)If God will.--In this resting in the thought of the will of the Father as ordering all things well--even in their use of almost the same formula, to them much more than such a formula as the Deo volente has often become in the lips of Christians--we find another point of agreement between St. Paul and St. James (<a href="/james/4-15.htm" title="For that you ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.">James 4:15</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/acts/18.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 21. - Taking his leave of them, and saying for bade them farewell, saying, A.V.; I will return for I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem; but I will return, A.V. and T.R.; he set sail for and he sailed, A.V. and T.R. Taking his leave; as in ver. 18, note. I must by all means, etc. This clause is not found in א, A, B, E, and several versions, and is omitted in the R.T. But Alford, Meyer, Wordsworth, and others consider it to be genuine. It is certainly difficult to account for such words being inserted in the text if they were not genuine; whereas it is easy to account for their omission, either by accident or from the fact that the brevity of the allusion to his visit to Jerusalem in ver. 22 might easily mislead a copyist into thinking that St. Paul did not go to Jerusalem at this time, and therefore that the words were misplaced. Observe how St. Paul's fixed purpose to reach Jerusalem as soon as possible tallies with the account of his vow. This feast (A.V.). It is not clear what feast is meant. Alford, Wordsworth, ' Speaker's Commentary,' and others, following Wieseler, think it was the Feast of Pentecost, being influenced by the consideration that sailing was dangerous and very unusual so early as before the Passover. But Meyer thinks it uncertain. But the expression, "I must by all means," would cover the risk of a voyage in the stormy season. I will return again. The fulfillment of this promise is related in <a href="/acts/19-1.htm">Acts 19:1</a>, etc. If God will (see <a href="/james/4-13.htm">James 4:13-15</a>). <a href="/commentaries/acts/18-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. as he left, ἀποταξάμενος (apotaxamenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_657.htm">Strong's 657: </a> To withdraw from, take leave of, renounce, send away. he said, εἰπών (eipōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2036.htm">Strong's 2036: </a> Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say. “I will come back ἀνακάμψω (anakampsō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_344.htm">Strong's 344: </a> To bend or turn back; I return. From ana and kampto; to turn back. to πρὸς (pros) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_4314.htm">Strong's 4314: </a> To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward. you ὑμᾶς (hymas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. again Πάλιν (Palin) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3825.htm">Strong's 3825: </a> Probably from the same as pale; anew, i.e. back, once more, or furthermore or on the other hand. [if] God Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. is willing.” θέλοντος (thelontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. [And] he set sail ἀνήχθη (anēchthē) Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_321.htm">Strong's 321: </a> From ana and ago; to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. Ephesus. Ἐφέσου (Ephesou) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2181.htm">Strong's 2181: </a> Ephesus, a coast city, capital of the Roman province Asia. Probably of foreign origin; Ephesus, a city of Asia Minor. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/acts/18-21.htm">Acts 18:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/acts/18-21.htm">NT Apostles: Acts 18:21 But taking his leave of them (Acts of the Apostles Ac) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/acts/18-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Acts 18:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Acts 18:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/acts/18-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Acts 18:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Acts 18:22" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>