Acts 19:21
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."
After these things had happened
This phrase sets the stage for a transition in the narrative. The "things" refer to the events in Ephesus, including the significant impact of Paul's ministry there, which led to a public burning of magic books and a notable shift in the local economy and religious practices. The Greek word "ginomai" (γίνομαι) implies a sequence of events that have reached a point of completion, suggesting that Paul's work in Ephesus had achieved its intended purpose. This context highlights the dynamic and transformative power of the Gospel, as it disrupts and reorients societal norms and personal lives.

Paul resolved in the Spirit
The phrase "resolved in the Spirit" indicates a deep, spiritual conviction and guidance. The Greek word "tithemi" (τίθημι) means to set, place, or establish, suggesting that Paul's decision was not made lightly or impulsively but was a deliberate and Spirit-led determination. This underscores the importance of seeking and following the Holy Spirit's guidance in decision-making, especially in ministry and mission work. It reflects a life surrendered to God's will, where personal desires are aligned with divine purposes.

to go to Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds significant historical and spiritual importance as the center of Jewish worship and the early Christian church. Paul's intention to go there reflects his commitment to the unity and support of the church, as he was likely planning to deliver the collection he had gathered from the Gentile churches for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. This act of charity and solidarity emphasizes the interconnectedness of the body of Christ and the call to support one another across cultural and geographical boundaries.

passing through Macedonia and Achaia
Macedonia and Achaia were regions in Greece where Paul had previously established churches. His plan to pass through these areas indicates his ongoing pastoral care and desire to strengthen and encourage the believers there. The mention of these regions highlights the strategic nature of Paul's missionary journeys, as he sought to consolidate and expand the work of the Gospel. It also reflects the early church's network of communities that were united in faith and mission.

'After I have been there,' he said, 'I must see Rome as well.'
Paul's statement reveals his apostolic ambition and vision to spread the Gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire. The word "dei" (δεῖ) translated as "must" conveys a sense of divine necessity or compulsion, indicating that Paul saw his journey to Rome as part of God's sovereign plan for his ministry. Rome, as the epicenter of political and cultural influence, represented a strategic opportunity for the Gospel to reach the ends of the earth. This reflects the Great Commission's call to make disciples of all nations and the unstoppable advance of God's kingdom through the faithful obedience of His servants.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who is central to the account. He is depicted as being led by the Spirit in his missionary journeys and decisions.

2. Jerusalem
The city where Paul intends to go, significant as the center of early Christianity and the location of the Temple.

3. Macedonia and Achaia
Regions in Greece that Paul plans to pass through. These areas were important centers of early Christian communities.

4. Rome
The capital of the Roman Empire, representing the broader mission field and the heart of the Gentile world that Paul aims to reach.

5. The Spirit
Refers to the Holy Spirit, who guides and directs Paul’s missionary efforts and decisions.
Teaching Points
Guidance of the Holy Spirit
Paul’s journey is directed by the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of seeking and following the Spirit’s guidance in our own lives.

Commitment to the Mission
Paul’s resolve to visit key locations for the spread of the Gospel highlights the need for commitment and strategic planning in fulfilling God’s mission.

Facing Challenges with Faith
Despite knowing the potential dangers, Paul’s determination to go to Jerusalem and Rome teaches us to trust God’s plan even when facing difficulties.

Global Vision for the Gospel
Paul’s desire to reach Rome reflects a vision for spreading the Gospel to all nations, encouraging us to have a global perspective in our evangelistic efforts.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Paul’s resolve to visit Jerusalem and Rome demonstrate his commitment to God’s mission, and how can we apply this commitment in our own lives?

2. In what ways can we seek and discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily decisions and long-term plans?

3. What challenges do you face in your mission to share the Gospel, and how can Paul’s example encourage you to persevere?

4. How does Paul’s strategic planning for his missionary journeys inspire us to be intentional in our efforts to spread the Gospel?

5. Reflect on a time when you felt led by the Spirit to take a specific action. How did that experience impact your faith and understanding of God’s guidance?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 20:22-23
Paul speaks of being compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, despite knowing the hardships that await him, showing his obedience and commitment.

Romans 1:9-15
Paul expresses his longing to visit Rome, indicating his desire to preach the Gospel there and strengthen the believers.

2 Corinthians 1:15-16
Paul mentions his travel plans, including visiting Macedonia and Achaia, showing his consistent missionary strategy.

Philippians 1:12-14
Paul’s imprisonment in Rome leads to the furtherance of the Gospel, demonstrating God’s sovereignty in using Paul’s circumstances for His purposes.
The Fight with Wild Beasts At EphesusAlexander MaclarenActs 19:21
Apollos Completed by PaulJ. Parker, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusJ. Bennett, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusA. Barnes, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusDean Vaughan.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusR. A. Bertram.Acts 19:1-23
Paul At EphesusW. M. Taylor, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
Paul's Mission Divinely DirectedW. Arnot, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
The Best Method of Evangelising a CityD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 19:1-23
The Word and the WorldF. W. Robertson, M. A.Acts 19:1-23
Paul's Ministry At EphesusActs 19:8-22
Paul's Ministry At EphesusA. F. Schauffler.Acts 19:8-22
Paul's Preaching At EphesusProf. Eadie.Acts 19:8-22
Characteristics of ChristianityD. Thomas, D. D.Acts 19:21-22
DreamlandDean Spence.Acts 19:21-22
Paul's AmbitionJ. W. Burn.Acts 19:21-22
The Purpose of a Great HeartR.A. Redford Acts 19:21, 22
The Spirit of Rebellion Against the GospelE. Johnson Acts 19:21-41
The Supreme ConflictW. Clarkson Acts 19:21-41
People
Alexander, Apollos, Aristarchus, Demetrius, Diana, Ephesians, Erastus, Gaius, John, Jupiter, Macedonians, Paul, Sceva, Timotheus, Timothy, Tyrannus
Places
Achaia, Asia, Corinth, Ephesus, Jerusalem, Macedonia, Rome
Topics
Achaia, Acha'ia, Behoveth, Decided, Decision, Desire, Determined, Ended, Events, Finished, Fulfilled, Greece, Jerusalem, Macedonia, Macedo'nia, Matters, Mind, Pass, Passed, Passing, Paul, Point, Purposed, Reached, Resolved, Rome, Saying, Spirit, Travel, Visit
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Acts 19:21

     4263   Rome
     5305   empires
     5976   visiting
     6696   necessity

Library
Would-Be Exorcists
'...Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?' --ACTS xix. 15. These exorcists had no personal union with Jesus. To them He was only 'Jesus whom Paul preached.' They spoke His name tentatively, as an experiment, and imitatively. To command 'in the name of Jesus' was an appeal to Jesus to glorify His name and exert His power, and so when the speaker had no real faith in the name or the power, there was no answer, because there was really no appeal. I. The only power which can cast out the evil
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Two Fruitful Years
'And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples. 2. He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. 3. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. 4. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Fight with Wild Beasts at Ephesus
'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. 22. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. 23. And the same time there arose no small stir about that way. 24. For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

Whitsunday.
Have you received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? It appears, by what follows these words, that the question here related especially to those gifts of the Holy Ghost which were given, in the first age of the church, as a sign of God's power, and a witness that the work of the gospel was from God. Yet although this be so, and therefore the words, in this particular sense, cannot to any good purpose be asked now; yet there is another sense, and that not a lower but a far higher one, in which we
Thomas Arnold—The Christian Life

On the Study of the Evidences of Christianity.
THE investigation of that important and extensive subject which includes what have been usually designated as The Evidences of Revelation,' has prescriptively occupied a considerable space in the field of theological literature, especially as cultivated in England. There is scarcely one, perhaps, of our more eminent divines who has not in a greater or less degree distinguished himself in this department, and scarcely an aspirant for theological distinction who has not thought it one of the surest
Frederick Temple—Essays and Reviews: The Education of the World

Paul's Journeys Acts 13:1-38:31
On this third journey he was already planning to go to Rome (Acts 19:21) and wrote an epistle to the Romans announcing his coming (Rom. 1:7, 15). +The Chief City+, in which Paul spent most of his time (Acts 19:1, 8, 10), between two and three years upon this journey, was Ephesus in Asia Minor. This city situated midway between the extreme points of his former missionary journeys was a place where Ephesus has been thus described: "It had been one of the early Greek colonies, later the capital
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Pastoral Epistles.
Comp. § 33, pp. 327-329. Contents. The three Pastoral Epistles, two to Timothy and one to Titus, form a group by themselves, and represent the last stage of the apostle's life and labors, with his parting counsels to his beloved disciples and fellow-workers. They show us the transition of the apostolic church from primitive simplicity to a more definite system of doctrine and form of government. This is just what we might expect from the probable time of their composition after the first Roman
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

Whether Baptism May be Reiterated?
Objection 1: It seems that Baptism may be reiterated. For Baptism was instituted, seemingly, in order to wash away sins. But sins are reiterated. Therefore much more should Baptism be reiterated: because Christ's mercy surpasses man's guilt. Objection 2: Further, John the Baptist received special commendation from Christ, Who said of him (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women, a greater than John the Baptist." But those whom John had baptized were baptized again, according
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Pastor in Parish (ii. ).
Work on in hope; the plough, the sickle wield; Thy Master is the harvest's Master too; He gives the golden seed, He owns the field, And does Himself what His true servants do. I take up again the all-important subject of Pastoral Visitation, for the same sort of informal and fragmentary treatment as that attempted in the last chapter, and with the same feeling that the subject is practically inexhaustible. LET THE VISITOR BE A TEACHER, WATCHING FOR OPPORTUNITIES. One object which the visitor will
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

The Scriptures
Q-II: WHAT RULE HAS GOD GIVEN TO DIRECT US HOW WE MAY GLORIFY AND ENJOY HIM? A: The Word of God, which is contained in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, is the only rule to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy him. 2 Tim 3:16. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,' By Scripture is understood the sacred Book of God. It is given by divine inspiration; that is, the Scripture is not the contrivance of man's brain, but is divine in its origin. The image of Diana was had in veneration
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Christ's Exaltation
'Wherefore God also has highly exalted him, and given him a name above every name, &c.' Phil 2:2. We have before spoken of Christ's humiliation; we shall now speak of his exaltation. Before you saw the Sun of Righteousness in the eclipse; now you shall see it coming out of the eclipse, and shining in its full glory. Wherefore God has highly exalted him;' super exaltavit, Ambrose. Above all exaltation.' Q-28: WHEREIN CONSISTS CHRIST'S EXALTATION? A: In his rising from the dead, his ascending into
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Old Faiths and the New
SECOND GROUP OF EPISTLES GALATIANS. FIRST AND SECOND CORINTHIANS. ROMANS. PROBLEMS OF EARLY CHRISTIANITY The new faith in Christ made large claims for itself. It marked an advance upon Judaism and maintained that in Christ was fulfilled all the promises made by the prophets of the coming of the Jewish Messiah. It radically antagonized the heathen religions. It had a double task to win men out of Judaism and heathenism. Only by a careful study of these great doctrinal Epistles, and the
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Supremacy of Christ
THIRD GROUP OF EPISTLES COLOSSIANS. PHILEMON. EPHESIANS. PHILIPPIANS. THE QUESTION AT ISSUE +The Supremacy of Christ.+--These Epistles mark a new stage in the writings of Paul. The great question discussed in the second group of Epistles was in regard to the terms of salvation. The question now at issue (in Colossians, Ephesians, Philippian+The Reason for the Raising of this Question+ was the development of certain false religious beliefs among which were, "asceticism, the worship of angels,
Henry T. Sell—Bible Studies in the Life of Paul

The Spirit and Power of Elias.
(LUKE I. 17.) "Oh, may I join the choir invisible Of those immortal dead who live again In minds made better by their presence: live In pulses stirred to generosity; In deeds of daring rectitude; in scorn For miserable aims that end with self; In thoughts sublime that pierce the night like stars, And with their mild persistence urge man's search To vaster issues." The Old Covenant and the New--Elijah and the Baptist--A Parallel--The Servant inferior to the Lord--The Baptism of the Holy Ghost--The
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Baptism unto Repentance
(MARK I. 4.) "The last and greatest herald of heaven's King, Girt with rough skins, hies to the desert wild; Among that savage brood the woods doth bring, Which he more harmless found than man, and mild. "His food was locusts and what there doth spring, With honey that from virgin hives distill'd, Parch'd body, hollow eyes, some uncouth thing Made him appear, long since from earth exiled." W. DRUMMOND, of Hawthornden. Repentance: its Nature--Repentance: how Produced--Repentance: its Evidences--Repentance:
F. B. Meyer—John the Baptist

Elucidation.
The argument (p. 673, note 6,) is conclusive, but not clear. The disciples of John must have been baptized by him, (Luke vii. 29-30) and "all the people," must have included those whom Jesus called. But, this was not Christ's baptism: See Acts xix. 2, 5. Compare note 8, p. 673. And see the American Editor's "Apollos."
Tertullian—On Baptism

Whether those who had Been Baptized with John's Baptism had to be Baptized with the Baptism of Christ?
Objection 1: It would seem that those who had been baptized with John's baptism had not to be baptized with the baptism of Christ. For John was not less than the apostles, since of him is it written (Mat. 11:11): "There hath not risen among them that are born of women a greater than John the Baptist." But those who were baptized by the apostles were not baptized again, but only received the imposition of hands; for it is written (Acts 8:16,17) that some were "only baptized" by Philip "in the name
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Whether the Wicked Can Work Miracles?
Objection 1: It would seem that the wicked cannot work miracles. For miracles are wrought through prayer, as stated above (A[1], ad 1). Now the prayer of a sinner is not granted, according to Jn. 9:31, "We know that God doth not hear sinners," and Prov. 28:9, "He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, his prayer shall be an abomination." Therefore it would seem that the wicked cannot work miracles. Objection 2: Further, miracles are ascribed to faith, according to Mat. 17:19, "If you have
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

How Long Between?
It is often asked what time must elapse between the regenerating by the Spirit and the filling with the Spirit? for be it remembered the Filling is as real and distinct and definite a blessing as the regenerating. Many people know the moment of their new birth; they were conscious of the change; so also many know when they were "filled with the Holy Ghost;" it was a blessed, bright, conscious experience, and it is as impossible to argue them out of the one experience as out of the other. On the other
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

The Doctrine of the Church i. Definition; Distinctions.
1. OLD TESTAMENT. 2. NEW TESTAMENT. 3. THE CHURCH; CHRISTENDOM; KINGDOM. II. THE FOUNDING OF THE CHURCH. 1. IN PROPHECY AND PROMISE. 2. HISTORICALLY FOUNDED. III. MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH. Conditions of Entrance; Characteristics. 1. REPENTANCE AND BAPTISM. 2. FAITH IN THE DEITY OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. REGENERATION. 4. PUBLIC CONFESSION OF CHRIST--BAPTISM. 5. ADHERENCE TO THE APOSTLES' DOCTRINE. 6. CHARACTERISTICS. IV. FIGURES UNDER WHICH THE CHURCH IS PRESENTED. 1. THE BODY OF CHRIST. 2. THE TEMPLE OF
Rev. William Evans—The Great Doctrines of the Bible

Gifts no Certain Evidence of Grace.
"In this rejoice not, that the Spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your Names are written in Heaven." Abundant notice of Christ's coming preceded that interesting' event. "To him gave all the prophets witness." Neither was his entrance here unattended. It was announced by an angelic choir; by a miraculous star; and by a band of eastern magi. The manger which contained him, was particularly pointed out to the shepherds, and his person designated by inspired Simon and Anna. Again,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Preventive against Backsliding.
It is most instructive to note how exceedingly anxious the early Christians were, that, as soon as a man was converted, he should be "filled with the Holy Ghost." They knew no reason why weary wastes of disappointing years should stretch between Bethel and Peniel, between the Cross and Pentecost. They knew it was not God's will that forty years of wilderness wanderings should lie between Egypt and the Promised Land (Deut. i. 2). When Peter and John came to the Samaritans, and found that they were
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life

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