Acts 19:21

¶ After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

After {G1161}{G5613} these things {G5023} were ended {G4137}, Paul {G3972} purposed {G5087} in {G1722} the spirit {G4151}, when he had passed through {G1330} Macedonia {G3109} and {G2532} Achaia {G882}, to go {G4198} to {G1519} Jerusalem {G2419}, saying {G2036}, After {G3754}{G3326} I {G3165} have been {G1096} there {G1563}, I {G3165} must {G1163} also {G2532} see {G1492} Rome {G4516}.

Some time later, Sha’ul decided by the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and then go to Yerushalayim. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must visit Rome.”

After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”

Now after these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Commentary

Acts 19:21 marks a pivotal moment in the ministry of the Apostle Paul, revealing his strategic vision and divine guidance as he looked beyond his successful work in Ephesus.

Context

This verse immediately follows a period of intense and fruitful ministry in Ephesus, where Paul had spent approximately three years (see Acts 20:31). During this time, the Gospel flourished, idolatry diminished, and many came to faith, even leading to a significant riot by the silversmiths who profited from pagan worship. Having established a strong church foundation in Asia Minor, Paul's focus now shifts to new horizons, demonstrating his relentless commitment to the expansion of Christianity.

Key Themes

  • Divine Purpose and Spirit-Led Guidance: Paul's decision was not arbitrary but "purposed in the spirit." This highlights that his future plans, including his ambitious travel itinerary, were under the direction and influence of the Holy Spirit. It underscores the biblical principle of seeking God's will in major life decisions and the importance of acknowledging God in all our ways.
  • Strategic Missionary Vision: Paul intended to traverse Macedonia and Achaia (modern-day Greece) before heading to Jerusalem and then Rome. This reveals his grand vision for the Gospel to reach key centers of both Jewish and Roman influence. Jerusalem represented the roots of the faith, while Rome, as the capital of the Empire, was a strategic hub for global evangelism.
  • Unwavering Commitment to the Gospel: Despite the known dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem (foreshadowed in Acts 20:23), Paul remained resolute in his divine calling. His determination to "also see Rome" speaks to his apostolic burden to preach Christ where He had not yet been named (Romans 15:20).

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "purposed in the spirit" translates the Greek etheto en tō pneumati. This is not simply a personal resolve or an emotional feeling, but a firm decision made under the guidance and prompting of the Holy Spirit. It signifies that Paul’s plans were consecrated and aligned with God’s overarching redemptive plan, even if the path would involve unforeseen trials.

Practical Application

Paul's example in Acts 19:21 encourages believers today to seek divine guidance in their own plans and aspirations. Our ambitions, whether personal or professional, should be submitted to the Holy Spirit's leading, trusting that God's purposes will prevail even through unexpected detours. Like Paul, we are called to have a strategic vision for spreading the influence of the Gospel in our spheres, always prioritizing God's will above personal comfort or convenience.

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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:22 (7 votes)

    And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

  • Acts 20:16 (5 votes)

    For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

  • Acts 23:11 (4 votes)

    And the night following the Lord stood by him, and said, Be of good cheer, Paul: for as thou hast testified of me in Jerusalem, so must thou bear witness also at Rome.

  • Acts 18:21 (3 votes)

    But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus.

  • Romans 1:13 (3 votes)

    Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

  • Acts 21:17 (2 votes)

    And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

  • Acts 28:30 (2 votes)

    ¶ And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,