Acts 18:18-21 NKJV

[18] So Paul still remained a good while. Then he took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He had his hair cut off at Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. [19] And he came to Ephesus and left them there; but he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. [20] When they asked him to stay a longer time with them, he did not consent, [21] but took leave of them, saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem; but I will return again to you, God willing.” And he sailed from Ephesus.

Priscilla and Aquila (husband and wife) were friends of Paul and fellow tentmakers. Paul stayed and worked with them in Corinth, then took them to Ephesus as a missionary couple. He had spent a good deal of time with them, discipling them and preparing them for teaching scripture, leading and discipling others, and planting home-based churches in Ephesus.

Paul could have stayed longer in Ephesus, but he chose to move along. He had poured into the lives of the two he left behind; trusting them to lead others to Jesus. His presence wasn't necessary to spread the gospel there. His purpose lay in pushing ahead.

Everyone isn't called to stay in one place forever. I believe we can find purpose wherever we are. Sometimes, that purpose is only for a season. Paul was in Ephesus only for a short time, but he planted fruitful witnesses there to ensure the successful growth of the early church. Paul modeled what it looked like to walk out what Jesus said during His own ministry.

Luke 9:62 - But Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”