The reaction of the Jews

Paul entered the synagogue alone and argued from the Hebrew Scriptures that Jesus is the Messiah for the Jews. The outcome was favorable. “When they asked him to stay for a longer time, he did not consent.” (1) Unlike the Jews in other cities, the Jews in Ephesus showed interest in what Paul was saying. (a) They asked Paul to stay longer. (b) They wanted to hear further explanations from him. (c) This response was unusual for Jews, making it a noteworthy reaction. (2) However, Paul did not consent. (a) He wished to reach Jerusalem in time for a festival. It is unclear whether this was the Passover, Pentecost, or the Feast of Tabernacles. (b) Paul, being a Jew well-versed in the Law of Moses, exercised the freedom both to observe and not to observe the Law. (c) Why was Paul so determined to go up to Jerusalem? He placed great importance on greeting and maintaining fellowship with the Jerusalem church (the mother church) and its leaders (James). Additionally, he likely had evangelism in mind, aiming to share the gospel with old friends he might meet again in Jerusalem.

If God wills

“But took leave of them and said, ‘I will return to you again if God wills,’ and he set sail from Ephesus.” (1) Paul must have sensed that a door for evangelism had been opened in Ephesus. Thus, he said, “I will return to you again if God wills.” This was not a mere pleasantry but a sincere expression of his heartfelt intention. (2) Paul would return to Ephesus in less than a year. Ephesus would become the city where Paul achieved some of the greatest successes in his missionary work. (3) “If God wills” is a common expression used by Jews, and it is still in use among them today. Many Gentiles also use this phrase. It acknowledges the sovereignty of God. There are two ways to use this expression: (a) Some place their own plans and desires at the center and say, “if God wills.” (b) Others say “if God wills,” hoping that God’s plans will be fulfilled. Let us use the phrase “if God wills” correctly. Instead of focusing on our own desires, let us be made into people who say, “if God wills,” with the hope for the fulfillment of  God’s plan.