Acts 19:21 kjv
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.
Acts 19:21 nkjv
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 niv
After all this had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. "After I have been there," he said, "I must visit Rome also."
Acts 19:21 esv
Now after these events Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."
Acts 19:21 nlt
Afterward Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to go over to Macedonia and Achaia before going to Jerusalem. "And after that," he said, "I must go on to Rome!"
Acts 19 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Acts 18:21 | ...I must by all means keep this feast that is in Jerusalem. | Apostolic resolve |
| Acts 20:22 | And now, behold, bound in the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem... | Compelled by the Spirit |
| Acts 20:25 | And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, will see my face no more. | Foreknowledge of opposition |
| Acts 21:4 | When he had,’ he said, ‘found the disciples, we stayed there seven days. And they told Paul, through the Spirit, not to go to Jerusalem. | Spiritual warnings ignored |
| Acts 23:11 | But the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul; for as you have testified for Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness at Rome.” | Divine confirmation of mission |
| Romans 1:9 | For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, that without ceasing I make mention of you always in my prayers... | Paul's constant prayer for believers |
| Romans 15:23 | But now no longer having a place in these parts, and having longed for many years to come to you... | Longstanding desire to visit Rome |
| Romans 15:24 | ...whenever I journey to Spain, I shall go to you. For I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, if first I may enjoy your company for a while. | Hope to minister in Rome |
| 2 Timothy 4:6 | For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. | Foreshadowing of death |
| 2 Timothy 4:7 | I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. | Accomplishment of his life's work |
| Ephesians 1:1 | Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are in Ephesus, and faithful in Christ Jesus: | Apostle of God's will |
| 1 Corinthians 16:8 | But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost. | Paul's ministry in Ephesus |
| Galatians 1:16 | to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with flesh and blood... | Commissioned to preach |
| Colossians 1:27 | to whom God chose to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. | Christ in the Gentiles |
| Hebrews 11:6 | But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. | Faith as motivation |
| Proverbs 3:5-6 | Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. | Divine direction |
| Isaiah 55:8-9 | For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor your ways My ways,” says the Lord. | God's ways are higher |
| Jeremiah 29:11 | For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. | God's sovereign plans |
| Psalm 37:23 | The Lord directs the steps of the godly. | God's guidance |
| Matthew 28:19-20 | Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them... teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. | The Great Commission |
| John 14:26 | But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you. | Role of the Holy Spirit |
| John 16:7 | Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. | The sending of the Helper |
Acts 19 verses
Acts 19 21 Meaning
Paul, having set his mind to go to Rome, was encouraged by the Holy Spirit to fulfill his mission and further spread the Gospel. This verse marks a significant turning point in the narrative of Acts, indicating Paul's eventual journey to the heart of the Roman Empire to preach the unhindered Gospel, ultimately leading to his imprisonment and eventual martyrdom.
Acts 19 21 Context
This verse appears at the end of chapter 19 of the book of Acts, a chapter detailing Paul's powerful ministry in Ephesus. His presence in Ephesus was marked by miracles, spiritual warfare (casting out demons), and the fiery destruction of occult literature. The Jewish exorcists, led by the sons of Sceva, attempted to mimic Paul's authority and failed, leading to a widespread awakening and confession of Christ. This chapter showcases the tangible impact of the Gospel, but also highlights the opposition and spiritual turmoil it generates. Paul's decision to move towards Jerusalem, despite clear spiritual warnings from disciples there that the Holy Spirit communicated through them, sets the stage for his eventual arrest and subsequent journey to Rome. His statement in Acts 19:21 reveals a deep inner conviction and strategic vision driven by God's will, a commitment that transcends immediate personal safety and aims for a greater purpose – bringing the Gospel to the imperial capital.
Acts 19 21 Word Analysis
- But (δέ, de): A conjunction indicating a contrast or a continuation of a previous thought. It marks Paul's strategic decision following his successful ministry in Ephesus.
- having (ἔχων, echōn): Present participle, masculine nominative singular of ἔχω (echō), meaning "to have" or "to hold." Paul "held" or "resolved" in his mind.
- purposed (προεθέμην, proethemen): Aorist indicative middle first person singular of προτίθημι (protithemi). It means "to set forth," "to purpose," or "to resolve beforehand." It signifies a firm, settled intention or plan. It carries a sense of strategic, forward-looking determination.
- in (ἐν, en): A preposition denoting "in," "on," "at," "with," or "by." Here, it indicates being "in the Spirit."
- the Spirit (τὸ πνεῦμα, to pneuma): The Holy Spirit. Being "in the Spirit" signifies being guided, moved, and directed by the Holy Spirit. It’s not a mere thought process but a divinely inspired direction.
- to (εἰς, eis): A preposition indicating motion toward a destination.
- go (πορεύεσθαι, poreuesthai): Infinitive, present passive indicative of πορεύω (poreuō), meaning "to go," "to journey," or "to travel."
- to (εἰς, eis): Again, indicating motion toward.
- Jerusalem (Ἰερουσαλήμ, Ierousalem): The holy city, the center of Jewish religious and political life. This was Paul's intended destination, a city he had a complex relationship with as a former persecutor turned apostle.
- to (εἰς, eis): Again, indicating motion toward.
- behold (ἰδεῖν, idein): Aorist infinitive of ὁράω (horaō), meaning "to see." It's used to call attention to what is about to be stated, similar to "to see" or "to behold." It implies a forward-looking anticipation.
- I must (δέον, deon): A neuter singular present participle of δέω (deō), meaning "it is necessary" or "it is binding." This conveys a sense of divine compulsion or obligation.
- needs (ἀνάγκην, anankēn): Accusative singular of ἀνάγκη (ananke), meaning "necessity," "compulsion," or "force." This emphasizes the unavoidable nature of his going. It's not a casual choice but a predetermined necessity.
- go (πορεύεσθαι, poreuesthai): Infinitive, present passive indicative of πορεύω (poreuō), meaning "to go" or "to travel."
- there (ἐκεῖ, ekei): An adverb of place, meaning "there." Refers to Jerusalem.
Group Analysis:
- "having purposed in the Spirit to go": This phrase encapsulates the synergy between Paul's deliberate resolve and the guiding power of the Holy Spirit. His decision was not solely his own but divinely ordained and affirmed. This reflects a life lived in submission to the Spirit's promptings.
- "I must needs go there": This conveys an absolute divine necessity. Paul was driven by a mandate from God that superseded all personal considerations and potential dangers. The combined terms "must" and "needs" highlight the inescapable nature of this calling. The destination is not arbitrary; it is specific and appointed.
- "to behold... to go there": The repetition of "go" and the inclusion of "behold" suggests Paul was not just traveling, but was being sent on a mission with a specific objective, to witness and minister, and he foresaw this significant encounter. The future necessity to visit Rome is also foreshadowed by this very necessary journey.
Acts 19 21 Bonus Section
The Greek word for "purposed" (προεθέμην, proethemen) is significant. It is also used by Paul in Romans 1:13 and Romans 3:25 in relation to God's redemptive plan. This connection implies that Paul's personal purpose was a direct extension and embodiment of God's eternal purpose. His journey was not just his own initiative, but a part of God's unfolding plan for salvation. The phrase "I must needs go" echoes Old Testament prophets who felt an inescapable call from God, even when apprehensive about the message or the reception. It also connects to the concept of destiny in a way that is aligned with God's sovereignty, not fatalism. God’s purpose for Paul included this journey to Rome, where he would ultimately bear witness to Christ by his life and death.
Acts 19 21 Commentary
Paul's determined intent to proceed to Jerusalem is described as a purpose "in the Spirit." This is crucial. It was not just his personal ambition or an intellectual decision; it was a divinely inspired conviction. The Holy Spirit was actively guiding him. He knew the dangers and the potential consequences of going to Jerusalem, as later revelations in Acts 20:22-25 and Acts 21:10-14 would starkly illustrate. Yet, the spiritual imperative to go was stronger than the fear of suffering. He also recognized that this trip was a stepping stone towards a larger commission: to testify in Rome, as the Lord confirmed to him directly (Acts 23:11). This highlights a consistent theme in Paul's ministry: his unwavering obedience to Christ, even when it meant facing persecution and hardship. His "must needs go" emphasizes the profound sense of divine appointment. His purpose was aligned with God's overarching plan for spreading the Gospel to the uttermost parts of the earth, symbolized by the capital city of the Roman Empire. This verse marks a crucial transitional moment, as Paul sets his course towards his ultimate divine mission.