Acts 20:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἔκρινεν

G2919

had determined

by implication, to try, condemn, punish

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

ὁ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος

G3972

Paul

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

παραπλεῦσαι

G3896

to sail by

to sail near

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἔφεσον

G2181

Ephesus

ephesus, a city of asia minor

ὅπως

G3704

because

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#10

γενέσθαι

G1096

to be

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#11

αὐτῷ

G846

for him

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

#12

χρονοτριβῆσαι

G5551

spend

to be a time-wearer, i.e., to procrastinate (linger)

#13

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#14

τῇ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#15

Ἀσίᾳ·

G773

Asia

asia, i.e., asia minor, or (usually) only its western shore

#16

ἔσπευδεν

G4692

he hasted

to "speed" ("study"), i.e., urge on (diligently or earnestly); by implication, to await eagerly

#17

γὰρ

G1063

For

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#18

εἰ

G1487

if, whether, that, etc

#19

δυνατὸν

G1415

possible

powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible

#20

ἦν

G2258

it were

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

#21

αὐτῷ

G846

for him

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

#22

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#23

ἡμέραν

G2250

the day

day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of

#24

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#25

πεντηκοστῆς

G4005

of Pentecost

fiftieth (g2250 being implied) from passover, i.e., the festival of "pentecost"

#26

γενέσθαι

G1096

to be

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

#27

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#28

Ἱεροσόλυμα

G2414

Jerusalem

hierosolyma (i.e., jerushalaim), the capitol of palestine

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Acts Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?

Related Resources

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