When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, Acts 18:20

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In the previous verse, Paul entered the synagogue at Ephesus and reasoned with the Jews. He must have had an initial positive effect on them because it next says, “When they asked him to stay a longer time with them.”

The verb is a present participle, “And they, asking for more time to remain with them.” This is not uncommon. When Paul would go to the synagogues, they usually did not reject him outright. Rather, they would have him return on subsequent Sabbaths, or they might even study with him daily. Curiosity about the Messiah, especially if He had come, would have been a topic of delight to the ears of those in attendance.

It is usually later that the Jews would start to argue against him. This would be after they observed Paul’s desire to evangelize the Gentiles while placing no burden on them concerning circumcision, law, etc. It is at this point that their heads would steam up and eventually their lids would blow. However, in this instance, their asking him to stay resulted in a negative response. As it next says, “he did not consent.”

The word translated as “consent” is found only here in the New Testament, epineuó. The word is, however, found in classical Greek medical literature. It is derived from epi (upon) and neuó (nod). Thus, it is to give assent or agree to. In this case, they got no agreeable nod to their request. The reason is coming in the next verse.

Life application: In Acts 16:6, it said, “Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” Instead, the missionaries were called to Macedonia. Now, after so much time has lapsed, Paul has entered Asia and spoken forth his words about Jesus.

However, at this time, his words are cut short because of another pressing matter. Despite this, he will return and a great and effective ministry will arise. Eventually, a letter will be written to the church from Paul which is now known as the book of Ephesians. Also, Jesus will address this church in Revelation 2, using them as the example of the church that has left its first love. Despite this, they will have positive words spoken of them as well.

There may be times in your own life when you want to do something and you are hindered from doing it. And yet, later you get a foot in that door and are able to really start something great. Once this happens, you may look back and say, “If I had initial success in this, it would have ultimately failed because of this or that.” You couldn’t see it at that time, but later you are able to see why God’s timing was perfectly set forth for later success.

Remember this when you hit snags along the road of life. Just because you are frustrated from accomplishing something now, it doesn’t mean you have failed. It may be that the Lord is keeping you from failure. Be sure that if you are in Christ, He is looking out for your ultimate good. This is certain.

Lord God, how amazing it is to occasionally stop and evaluate life as it has gone by and to see those times that seemed so frustrating, but now seem like propitious moments where You have guided us away from disaster. We can’t see it, but You can. Help us to be people of faith who faithfully follow Your leading through this life that we are living. May we be willing to accept that You are guiding us according to Your wisdom. Amen.