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Book of 1 Corinthians - Chapter 16 - Verse 8

16:8
But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost.

Meaning

When the Apostle Paul wrote, "But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost," he was expressing his intention to stay in the city of Ephesus until the Jewish festival of Pentecost. This decision was significant because Pentecost was an important event in the Christian calendar, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. By choosing to remain in Ephesus until this particular festival, Paul was signaling his commitment to continuing his ministry in the region, preaching the gospel and strengthening the new Christian community that had been established there. Additionally, staying until Pentecost allowed Paul to take advantage of the large crowds that would gather in the city for the festival, providing a prime opportunity to share the message of Jesus Christ with a wider audience. This verse reflects Paul's strategic approach to spreading the teachings of Christianity and his dedication to fulfilling his mission as an apostle.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the apostle Paul expresses his intention to remain in Ephesus until the feast of Pentecost. The word "tarry" in this context can be interpreted as waiting or staying. From a theological perspective, Paul's decision to stay in Ephesus until Pentecost may symbolize his commitment to the work of spreading the gospel in that region. Pentecost is a significant feast in the Christian calendar, commemorating the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the apostles. By choosing to stay until Pentecost, Paul may have been looking forward to a particular time when the Spirit's presence and power would be especially apparent. Additionally, this verse highlights Paul's strategic approach to ministry, as he carefully planned his travels and remained in certain cities for extended periods to establish and strengthen the early Christian communities. Overall, this verse provides insight into Paul's dedication to his mission and his reliance on the guidance of the Holy Spirit in his ministry.

American Standard Version

But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost;
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