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.

ACTS 18:21KJV
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Acts 18:21 (KJV)

What does Acts 18:21 mean?

Acts 18:21 shows Paul saying goodbye to the people in Ephesus, explaining that he must go to Jerusalem to keep an upcoming feast, but promises to return if God allows. Paul then leaves Ephesus by ship, making his travel plans dependent on God's will.

Paul is speaking to the believers in Ephesus as he prepares to leave them. He expresses a strong commitment to observing a Jewish feast in Jerusalem, showing his ongoing connection to Jewish traditions even as he spreads the message about Jesus. By saying "if God will," Paul highlights his trust in God's guidance for his future plans, a theme that appears elsewhere in his letters.

The Greek behind Acts 18:21

  • The word for "feast" is ἑορτή (heortē), which refers to one of the Jewish religious festivals. Paul's desire to "keep this feast" shows his respect for Jewish customs even as he ministers among Gentiles.
  • The phrase "if God will" uses θέλω (thelō), meaning "to will" or "to desire." This phrase reflects humility and the belief that all plans depend on God's permission, not just human intention.
  • The verb "keep" is ποιέω (poieō), which generally means "to do" or "to make." Here, it carries the sense of actively participating in the feast, not just attending it passively.

Why Acts 18:21 matters

  • Acts 18:21 clarifies that Paul remained committed to his Jewish heritage while also reaching out to non-Jews, showing the early church's connection to its roots.
  • The verse emphasizes the importance of submitting plans to God's will, a principle that appears in other New Testament passages and shapes how early Christians thought about decision-making.
  • This moment connects to the wider story in Acts, where Paul's travels and relationships with different communities are guided by both practical needs and spiritual convictions.

Where else these words appear

“return” Greek G344 · used in 4 verses

  • Matthew 2:12 And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.
  • Luke 10:6 And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again.
  • Hebrews 11:15 And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned.

“bade” Greek G657 · used in 6 verses

  • Mark 6:46 And when he had sent them away, he departed into a mountain to pray.
  • Luke 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid them farewell, which are at home at my house.
  • Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow.

“means” Greek G3843 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 4:23 And he said unto them, Ye will surely say unto me this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in thy country.
  • Acts 28:4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he hath escaped the sea, yet vengeance suffereth not to live.
  • 1 Corinthians 9:10 Or saith he it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written: that he that ploweth should plow in hope; and that he that thresheth in hope should be partaker of his hope.

“Ephesus” Greek G2181 · used in 15 verses

  • Acts 18:19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.
  • Acts 19:26 Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:
  • Ephesians 1:1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: