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.
For Paul had determined to sail by, ([ parapleusai (G3896 ) teen (G3588 ) Efeson (G2181 )] - 'to sail past') Ephesus. He was right opposite to it when approaching Chios.
Because ... 'It appears (as Humphry remarks) from this, and from Acts 20:13, that in the voyage from Philippi to Patara (Acts 21:1), Paul was able to direct his own course, having perhaps hired a small coasting vessel:' at Patara he meets with a merchant-ship, in which he is conveyed across the sea to Tyre.
Because he would not spend the time, ([ hopoos (G3704 ) mee (G3361 ) geneetai (G1096 ) autoo (G846 ) chronotribeesai (G5551 )] - 'that he might not have to spend time,') in Asia - the Asian province, of which Ephesus was the chief city.
For he hasted, if it were possible for him, 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 for 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.