Acts 18:20
When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not;
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς,
them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐπὶ
longer
G1909
ἐπὶ
longer
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
4 of 11
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
πλείονα
G4119
πλείονα
Strong's:
G4119
Word #:
5 of 11
more in quantity, number, or quality; also (in plural) the major portion
χρόνον
time
G5550
χρόνον
time
Strong's:
G5550
Word #:
6 of 11
a space of time (in general, and thus properly distinguished from g2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from g0165, which denotes a
μεῖναι
him to tarry
G3306
μεῖναι
him to tarry
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
7 of 11
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
8 of 11
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
αὐτοῖς,
them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 11
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Historical Context
Paul's refusal despite the positive response shows discernment about divine timing. He returned later for extended ministry (Acts 19:1-20:1).
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between opportunity and divine timing?
- What does delayed response to positive reception teach about trusting God's schedule?
Analysis & Commentary
'When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not' - responsiveness didn't guarantee immediate action. Paul discerned timing for extended ministry. The positive reception indicated future fruitfulness.