Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Acts 20:16

"For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost." — Acts 20:16 (ASV)

Paul had to miss the Passover at Jerusalem (cf. comments on vv.3, 5, 6). But he wanted, if at all possible, to get to Jerusalem for Pentecost, the fiftieth day after Passover (cf. comment on 2:1). He had previously decided not to take a boat that stopped at Ephesus, for he evidently preferred to forego the emotional strain of another parting with the entire Ephesian church and to avoid (possibly) some local danger.