¹⁶ Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus^(A) to avoid spending time in the province of Asia,^(B) for he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem,^(C) if possible, by the day of Pentecost.^(D)

⁸ But I will stay on at Ephesus^(A) until Pentecost,^(B)

The Holy Spirit Comes at Pentecost

2 When the day of Pentecost^(A) came, they were all together^(B) in one place.

²¹ After all this had happened, Paul decided^[a] to go to Jerusalem,^(A) passing through Macedonia^(B) and Achaia.^(C) “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome also.”^(D)

²⁴ I plan to do so when I go to Spain.^(A) I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist^(B) me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. ²⁵ Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem^(C) in the service^(D) of the Lord’s people^(E) there. ²⁶ For Macedonia^(F) and Achaia^(G) were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem.^{(H) 27} They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.^{(I) 28} So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain^(J) and visit you on the way.

¹⁷ “After an absence of several years, I came to Jerusalem to bring my people gifts for the poor^(A) and to present offerings.

⁴ We sought out the disciples^(A) there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit^(B) they urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem.

²² “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem,^(A) not knowing what will happen to me there.

Paul’s Farewell to the Ephesian Elders

¹³ We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were going to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he was going there on foot.