John Calvin 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)

For Paul purposed. Undoubtedly, he had great and important reasons to hurry; not that he considered the day itself so important, but because people from other places then used to gather in Jerusalem from all regions. Because he hoped that he could do some good in such a large gathering, he would not neglect the opportunity.

Therefore, let us understand that the observance of the law was not the reason he hurried so much, but he focused on the edification of the Church: partly so that he might show the faithful that Christ's kingdom was expanding; partly so that if there were any still strangers to Christ, he might gain them; and partly so that he might silence the wicked.

Nevertheless, we must note that, in the meantime, he provided for other churches. For, by sending for the elders of Ephesus to Miletus, he shows that he did not neglect Asia. And that they assembled when called is not only a sign of harmony but also of humility; for there were many of them, yet it did not trouble them to obey one apostle of Christ, whom they knew to be endowed with exceptional gifts.

Moreover, it appears more plainly from the context that those who are called elders are not so named because they were grey-headed, but rather are those who were rulers of the Church. And it is a common thing in almost all languages that those who are appointed to govern others are called elders and fathers, even though their age may not always correspond.