Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 18:21

"but taking his leave of them, and saying, I will return again unto you if God will, he set sail from Ephesus." — Acts 18:21 (ASV)

In the synagogue at Ephesus, Paul found a receptive audience. But though they encouraged him to stay, he seems to have felt that fulfilling his vow at Jerusalem took priority over everything else. Nevertheless, he promised to return, if it were in the will of God. And with a heart lightened by the prospect of a future ministry at Ephesus, he sailed for Jerusalem.