Acts 19:21

When these things were accomplished, 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.” Acts 19:21

The words more closely read, “And after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit – having passed through Macedonia and Achaia – to go to Jerusalem, having said, “That after I have been there, I must also see Rome” (CG).

The previous verse told of the word of the Lord growing mightily and prevailing. This occurred in Ephesus. Now a new direction takes place with the words, “And after these things were fulfilled.”

There was a time in Ephesus to evangelize, teach, and raise up leaders, and now that time is about to be fulfilled. Verse 19:10 said that this continued for two years. That was in addition to the three months he had spent reasoning in the synagogue. With this time in Ephesus coming to its completion, it next says, “Paul purposed in the Spirit.”

It is debated whether this should simply refer to a willful spirit in Paul or the Holy Spirit. The word is preceded by an article in the Greek text. Of this, Ellicott – who argues it should simply say “in spirit” – says, “The Greek word, however, implies a reference to something more than human volition. The spirit which formed the purpose was in communion with the Divine Spirit.”

If this is true, and it certainly is, then rendering it “in the Spirit” provides the honor of the communion to the Holy Spirit by saying “in the Spirit.” For example, Paul says elsewhere –

“And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:24-26

This is something he repeats in various ways elsewhere. Paul was walking in the Spirit. He was in communion with the Spirit and thus he “purposed in the Spirit” to take action. Therefore, once the gospel was firmly fixed in Ephesus, he – and the Spirit he was in communion with – couldn't sit at ease any longer.  And so, it was resolved that it was time to move on. Therefore, it next says, “having passed through Macedonia and Achaia.”

Paul surely yearned to fellowship with the churches he had established. And so, it was his intention that prior to doing anything else, he would go through these areas, certainly anticipating a happy reunion with them, strengthening them, etc. In addition to this, he purposed to use this trip to gather a collection for the saints in Jerusalem. This is noted in his epistles, such as –

“But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It pleased them indeed, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed to them this fruit, I shall go by way of you to Spain. 29 But I know that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.” Romans 15:25-29

He also discusses this in great detail in 2 Corinthians 8. As for what he purposed in the Spirit after having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, it was “to go to Jerusalem.”

This was the purpose of the collection he was going to gather from those churches. Those who were in Jerusalem had ministered to the Gentiles in spiritual things. Paul thought it was appropriate to reward them by tending to them in material things. The entire matter concerning this offering was very sensitive. People had made promises and Paul expected them to be fulfilled.

This is especially true because the poorer churches had gone out of their way considering this offering. If the richer churches failed in their promises, it would be an embarrassment to Paul, a stain upon them, and a slap in the face of the poorer churches. Therefore, Paul carefully wrote out the necessity for everything to be handled in a proper fashion.

Once this offering was made, Paul had made plans beyond the trip to Jerusalem. Next, Luke records Paul “having said, ‘That after I have been there, I must also see Rome.’”

This is just what is recorded in the citation from Romans 15 above. He will, in fact, go to Rome. However, it will not be in the manner that he expected as indicated in those words. Of the words of this verse, the Pulpit Commentary, citing Bengel, says –

“Observe also the insatiable appetite of the apostle for spiritual conquests, and his noble contempt for idleness. He has but just won Ephesus and Asia, and already he undertakes Macedonia and Achaia. Nor does his mind stop there, but reaches on to Jerusalem, then stretches onwards to Rome, and meditates the invasion of Spain. Truly neither Alexander, nor Caesar, nor any hero of antiquity was a match for this little Benjamite (paulus) in the magnanimity of his designs.”

Life application: There is never a time that we can say, “I have nothing else to do in my walk with the Lord.” It is true that Paul said to Timothy that he had finished his race, but the context must be considered –

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:6-8

In his words, the surrounding verses tell us that Paul’s race was ending only because of his anticipated death. In the verses following this, he continued to give instruction to Timothy which confirmed he was still active and would continue until that day had arrived.

Even if we are on our deathbed, there is no reason to keep silent about Jesus. If a doctor or nurse comes in, it is time to tell them the good news. If an unbelieving family member comes by, it is time to speak about the hope you possess. Let us continue in the good fight until we can no longer speak. Eternal destinies are being decided in those we encounter from moment to moment.

Heavenly Father, give us the strength to speak out about Jesus until our dying breath. And more, instill in us the desire to do so. If we fail to speak, we may miss the only chance someone ever has to hear the good news about Your offer of peace and reconciliation. Yes, Lord, help us to do this until our final day arrives. Amen.