Acts 19:21
New International Version
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.”

New Living Translation
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!”

English Standard Version
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.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

Berean Literal Bible
Now after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, having said, "After my having been there, it behooves me to see Rome also."

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
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.”

New American Standard Bible
Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

NASB 1995
Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

NASB 1977
Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.”

Amplified Bible
Now after these events, Paul determined in the Spirit that he would travel through Macedonia and Achaia (most of the Greek mainland), and go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome [and preach the good news of salvation].”

Christian Standard Bible
After these events, Paul resolved by the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “It is necessary for me to see Rome as well.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When these events were over, Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia and go to Jerusalem. “After I’ve been there,” he said, “I must see Rome as well!”

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
After all this had happened, Paul decided to visit Macedonia and Achaia on his way to Jerusalem. Paul had said, "From there I will go on to Rome."

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
After all these things had happened, Paul decided to go to Jerusalem by traveling through Macedonia and Greece. He said, "After I have been there, I must see Rome."

Good News Translation
After these things had happened, Paul made up his mind to travel through Macedonia and Achaia and go on to Jerusalem. "After I go there," he said, "I must also see Rome."

International Standard Version
After these things had happened, Paul decided to go through Macedonia and Achaia and then to go on to Jerusalem. "After I have gone there," he told them, "I must also see Rome."

Majority Standard Bible
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.”

NET Bible
Now after all these things had taken place, Paul resolved to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia. He said, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

New Heart English Bible
Now after these things had ended, Paul determined 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."

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
When matters had reached this point, Paul decided in his own mind to travel through Macedonia and Greece, and go to Jerusalem. "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome."

World English Bible
Now after these things had ended, Paul determined 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.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit, having gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to go on to Jerusalem, saying, “After my being there, it is also necessary for me to see Rome”;

Berean Literal Bible
Now after these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, having passed through Macedonia and Achaia, having said, "After my having been there, it behooves me to see Rome also."

Young's Literal Translation
And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in the Spirit, having gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to go on to Jerusalem, saying -- 'After my being there, it behoveth me also to see Rome;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And when these were completed, Paul proposed in spirit, having passed through Macedonia and Achaia to go to Jerusalem, saying, That after have been there, I must also see Rome.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when 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 see Rome also.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, when these things were completed, Paul decided in the Spirit, after crossing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “Then, after I have been there, it is necessary for me to see Rome also.”

New American Bible
When this was concluded, Paul made up his mind to travel through Macedonia and Achaia, and then to go on to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must visit Rome also.”

New Revised Standard Version
Now after these things had been accomplished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia, and then to go on to Jerusalem. He said, “After I have gone there, I must also see Rome.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When these things had been accomplished, Paul made up his mind to travel through all of Mac-e-do’ni-a and A-cha’ia, and then to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But when these things were done, Paulus set in his mind to journey in all Macedonia and in Akaia and to go to Jerusalem, and he said, “When I have gone there, I must also see Rome.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
When these things had been accomplished, Paul purposed in spirit to go to Jerusalem, after he should pass through Macedonia and Achaia, saying: After I have been there, I must see Rome also.

Godbey New Testament
And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in spirit, having traveled through Macedonia and Achaia, to go on into Jerusalem, saying that, After I am there it behooves me also to see Rome.

Haweis New Testament
Now when these things were accomplished, Paul purposed by the Spirit, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, That after I have been there, I must see Rome also.

Mace New Testament
after this, Paul had a design to pass thro' Macedonia and Achaia in his way to Jerusalem: purposing when he had been there to make a visit to Rome.

Weymouth New Testament
When matters had reached this point, Paul decided in his own mind to travel through Macedonia and Greece, and go to Jerusalem. "After that," he said, "I must also see Rome."

Worrell New Testament
Now, when these things were ended, Paul purposed in his spirit, after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem; saying, "After I have been there, I must see Rome also."

Worsley New Testament
After these things, Paul purposed in spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia, and go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Riot in Ephesus
20So the word of the Lord powerfully continued to spread and prevail. 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.” 22He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.…

Cross References
Romans 15:23-29
But now that there are no further opportunities for me in these regions, and since I have longed for many years to visit you, / I hope to see you on my way to Spain. And after I have enjoyed your company for a while, you can equip me for my journey. / Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. ...

1 Corinthians 16:5-9
After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. / Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. / For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ...

2 Corinthians 1:15-16
Confident of this, I planned to visit you first, so that you might receive a double blessing. / I wanted to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and to return to you from Macedonia, and then to have you help me on my way to Judea.

Acts 20:22-23
And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. / I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.

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 28:16-31
When we arrived in Rome, Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with a soldier to guard him. / After three days, he called together the leaders of the Jews. When they had gathered, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was taken prisoner in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans. / They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for a death sentence against me. ...

Romans 1:9-13
God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you / in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you. / For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you, ...

Romans 15:32
so that by God’s will I may come to you with joy and together with you be refreshed.

2 Timothy 4:6-8
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. / I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. / From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.

Luke 9:51
As the day of His ascension approached, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem.

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.

Acts 21:13-14
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” / When he would not be dissuaded, we quieted down and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.

Acts 13:4
So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus.

Acts 16:6-10
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. / And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. / So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ...


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Cir.

Romans 15:25-28
But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints…

Galatians 2:1
Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me also.

purposed.

Acts 16:6-10
Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, …

Acts 18:21
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.

Acts 20:22
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:

when.

Acts 20:1-6
And after the uproar was ceased, Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them, and departed for to go into Macedonia…

to go.

Acts 20:16,22
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 21:4,11-15,17
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem…

Acts 24:17,18
Now after many years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings…

I must.

Acts 18:21
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.

Acts 23:11
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 25:10-12
Then said Paul, I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou very well knowest…

Jump to Previous
Achaia Acha'ia Decided Decision Desire Determined Ended Events Finished Fulfilled Greece Jerusalem Macedonia Macedo'nia Matters Mind Passed Passing Paul Point Purposed Reached Resolved Rome Rome Spirit Travel Visit
Jump to Next
Achaia Acha'ia Decided Decision Desire Determined Ended Events Finished Fulfilled Greece Jerusalem Macedonia Macedo'nia Matters Mind Passed Passing Paul Point Purposed Reached Resolved Rome Rome Spirit Travel Visit
Acts 19
1. The Holy Spirit is given by Paul's hands.
8. The Jews blaspheme his doctrine, which is confirmed by miracles.
13. The Jewish exorcists,
16. are beaten by a man who had an evil spirit.
19. Conjuring books are burnt.
21. Demetrius, for love of gain, raises an uproar against Paul;
35. which is appeased by the town clerk.














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.

(21) Paul purposed in the spirit.--Better, perhaps, in spirit. 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. (See Notes on Acts 17:16; Acts 18:5.)

We learn from the First Epistle to the Corinthians what were the chief antecedents of this purpose. There had been intercourse, we may believe, more or less frequent, with the churches of both Macedonia and Achaia during the two years which St. Paul had spent at Ephesus; and there was much to cause anxiety. It had been necessary for him to send a letter, not extant, to warn the Corinthians against their besetting impurity (1Corinthians 5:9). The slaves or freed-men of Chloe had brought tidings of schisms, and incestuous adulteries, and grave disorders in ritual and discipline. (See Introduction to the First Epistle to the Corinthians.) These things called for the Apostle's presence. With these was joined another purpose. He wished to revisit Jerusalem, and to appear there as the bearer of a munificent contribution from the Gentile churches to the suffering church of the Hebrews. (See Notes to 1Corinthians 16:1; 2Corinthians 8:1.) . . .

Verse 21. - Now after for offer, A.V. Purposed in the spirit (ἔθετο ἐν τῷ πνεύματι); literally, set, fixed, or arranged it in his spirit, like the Hebrew phrase, שּׂוּם בְלֵב, in 1 Samuel 12, etc. Similarly of past things, Luke 1:66, ἔθεντο πάντες... ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῶν, "laid them up in their hearts "(comp. Acts 5:4). When he had passed through Macedonia, etc. Observe the constant solicitude of Paul to revisit the Churches which he had founded, so as to confirm the disciples in the faith and to consolidate his work (Acts 14:21; Acts 15:36; Acts 16:6; 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5, etc.). It marks the unrivalled tenderness of his heart toward the disciples. 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 (Bengel).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
After
Ὡς (Hōs)
Conjunction
Strong's 5613: Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.

these things
ταῦτα (tauta)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

had happened,
ἐπληρώθη (eplērōthē)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Passive - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4137: From pleres; to make replete, i.e. to cram, level up, or to furnish, satisfy, execute, finish, verify, etc.

Paul
Παῦλος (Paulos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3972: Paul, Paulus. Of Latin origin; Paulus, the name of a Roman and of an apostle.

purposed
ἔθετο (etheto)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5087: To put, place, lay, set, fix, establish. A prolonged form of a primary theo to place.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

spirit
πνεύματι (pneumati)
Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

to go
πορεύεσθαι (poreuesthai)
Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive
Strong's 4198: To travel, journey, go, die.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Jerusalem
Ἱεροσόλυμα (Hierosolyma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2414: The Greek form of the Hebrew name: Jerusalem. Of Hebrew origin; Hierosolyma

after he had passed through
διελθὼν (dielthōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1330: To pass through, spread (as a report). From dia and erchomai; to traverse.

Macedonia
Μακεδονίαν (Makedonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3109: (Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Achaia.
Ἀχαΐαν (Achaian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 882: Achaia, a country of Europe.

“After
Μετὰ (Meta)
Preposition
Strong's 3326: (a) gen: with, in company with, (b) acc: (1) behind, beyond, after, of place, (2) after, of time, with nouns, neut. of adjectives.

I
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

have been
γενέσθαι (genesthai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Middle
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

there,”
ἐκεῖ (ekei)
Adverb
Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither.

he said,
εἰπὼν (eipōn)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2036: Answer, bid, bring word, command. A primary verb; to speak or say.

“I
με (me)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

must
δεῖ (dei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1163: Third person singular active present of deo; also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is Necessary.

see
ἰδεῖν (idein)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 3708: Properly, to stare at, i.e. to discern clearly; by extension, to attend to; by Hebraism, to experience; passively, to appear.

Rome
Ῥώμην (Rhōmēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4516: From the base of rhonnumi; strength; Roma, the capital of Italy.

as well.”
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:21 Now after these things had ended Paul (Acts of the Apostles Ac)
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