16. For Paul had determined to sail by--or "sail past."
Ephesus--He was right opposite to it when approaching Chios.
because he would not spend time in Asia--the Asian province of which
Ephesus was the chief city.
for he hasted, if . . . possible . . . to be at Jerusalem the day of
Pentecost--as a suitable season for giving in the great collection
from all the western churches, for keeping the feast, and clearing his
apostolic position with the Church, then represented in large number at
Jerusalem. The words imply that there was considerable ground to doubt
if he would attain this object--for more than three of the seven weeks
from Passover to Pentecost had already expired--and they are inserted
evidently to explain why he did not once more visit Ephesus.
JFB.
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