Bible Strands
Acts 19:21
After these things had happened, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. “After I have been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Paul narrates his own future itinerary after concluding his Ephesian ministry, addressing the historical record of his travels rather than a specific audience. He states his plan to pass through Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem before proceeding to Rome.
The words — The Greek ἔθετο (etheto) carries the literal sense of "purposed" or "set himself," marking a deliberate decision. The preposition ἐν (en) in the supplied phrase ἐν πνεύματι places this resolution within the sphere of the Spirit's influence.
The thread — This itinerary appears again in Acts 20:22, where Paul notes being compelled by the Spirit to Jerusalem despite unknown outcomes. The narrative continues in Acts 20:16 and Acts 23:11, which track his altered travel plans and a subsequent divine encounter confirming his mission to Rome.
Why it lands — The text requires a reader to acknowledge that a minister's plans operate within a specific spiritual framework rather than mere personal preference. It asks the reader to observe how divine guidance and human decision intersect in the recorded movements of the apostle.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
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.
Cross-references
- Acts 20:22 And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.
- Acts 20:16 Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost.
- Acts 23:11 The following night the Lord stood near Paul and said, “Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so also you must testify in Rome.”
- Acts 18:21 But as he left, he said, “I will come back to you if God is willing.” And he set sail from Ephesus.
- Romans 1:13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, how often I planned to come to you (but have been prevented from visiting until now), in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
- Galatians 2:1 Fourteen years later I went up again to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas. I took Titus along also.
- Lamentations 3:37 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it?
- Acts 16:6 After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.
- Acts 18:12 While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat.
- Acts 20:1 When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia.