Acts 18:21
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.
Original Language Analysis
ἀλλ'
But
G235
ἀλλ'
But
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 27
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἀπετάξατο
bade
G657
ἀπετάξατο
bade
Strong's:
G657
Word #:
2 of 27
literally, to say adieu (by departing or dismissing); figuratively, to renounce
αὐτοῖς,
them
G846
αὐτοῖς,
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
3 of 27
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
Δεῖ
must
G1163
Δεῖ
must
Strong's:
G1163
Word #:
5 of 27
also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)
πάντως
by all means
G3843
πάντως
by all means
Strong's:
G3843
Word #:
7 of 27
entirely; specially, at all events, (with negative, following) in no event
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐρχομενην
that cometh
G2064
ἐρχομενην
that cometh
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
11 of 27
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
ποιῆσαι
keep
G4160
ποιῆσαι
keep
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
12 of 27
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
εἰς
in
G1519
εἰς
in
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 27
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Ἰεροσόλυμα,
Jerusalem
G2414
Ἰεροσόλυμα,
Jerusalem
Strong's:
G2414
Word #:
14 of 27
hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine
Πάλιν
again
G3825
Πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
15 of 27
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
πρὸς
unto
G4314
πρὸς
unto
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
18 of 27
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 27
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
if God
G2316
θεοῦ
if God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
21 of 27
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
θέλοντος
will
G2309
θέλοντος
will
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
22 of 27
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 27
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνήχθη
he sailed
G321
ἀνήχθη
he sailed
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
24 of 27
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
25 of 27
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 4:19But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power.James 4:15For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.Hebrews 6:3And this will we do, if God permit.Acts 20:16For 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.Romans 15:32That I may come unto you with joy by the will of God, and may with you be refreshed.Romans 1:10Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.
Historical Context
Which feast Paul intended to keep is uncertain - possibly Passover or Pentecost. His Jerusalem visits maintained connection with the mother church.
Questions for Reflection
- How did Paul balance Gentile mission with Jewish heritage?
- What does 'if God will' teach about making plans?
Analysis & Commentary
'I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem' - Paul's Jerusalem orientation showed continued Jewish identity. 'I will return again unto you, if God will' expressed submission to providence. Plans were made contingent on divine permission.