What is the context?
Paul arranges to go on foot to Assos while his companions travel there by ship. They take him aboard and continue by Mitylene, Chios and Samos to Miletus. Luke records the stages of the journey without explaining why Paul chooses to walk that part of the route.
He sails past Ephesus because he does not want to spend time in Asia while hurrying to reach Jerusalem, if possible, for Pentecost. The next passage shows that this does not mean he has stopped caring about the Ephesian believers: he sends for their elders to meet him at Miletus.
How is this passage commonly understood?
Christians commonly read this as practical travel planning in view of Paul’s intended arrival at Jerusalem. Luke states his goal and the choice to pass Ephesus; the account does not require an additional hidden meaning for each port or route.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.