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!”
Parallel translations
- WEB 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.”
- 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.
- BSB 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.”
- 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.”
- 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.”
- NASB 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.”
Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul resolved in the Spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia to Jerusalem, and then to see Rome.
Overview
This sets the trajectory for the rest of Acts, as Paul's eyes turn toward Jerusalem and ultimately Rome (Acts 23:11; 28). His mention of Rome anticipates the gospel reaching the empire's heart. The plan, formed in the Spirit, reflects how God directed Paul's steps toward His larger redemptive purposes.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 25
- Acts 20:22Now, behold, I go bound by the Spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there;
- Acts 20:16For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.
- Acts 23:11The following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, “Cheer up, Paul, for as you have testified about me at Jerusalem, so you must testify also at Rome.”
- Acts 18:21but taking his leave of them, and saying, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will return again to you if God wills,” he set sail from Ephesus.
- Rom 1:13Now I don’t desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.
- Gal 2:1Then after a period of fourteen years I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, taking Titus also with me.
- 1 Cor 16:5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia.
- 1 Th 1:7so that you became an example to all who believe in Macedonia and in Achaia.
- Acts 28:30–31Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, and received all who were coming to him,
- Acts 20:1–6After the uproar had ceased, Paul sent for the disciples, took leave of them, and departed to go into Macedonia.
- Acts 21:11–15Coming to us, and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit: ‘So will the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
- Acts 16:6–10When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.
- Acts 28:16When we entered into Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.
- Acts 24:17–18Now after some years, I came to bring gifts for the needy to my nation, and offerings;
- Rom 15:23–29but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you,
- Acts 18:12But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat,
- Phil 1:12–14Now I desire to have you know, brothers, that the things which happened to me have turned out rather to the progress of the Good News;
- 2 Cor 1:15–18In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, that you might have a second benefit;
- Acts 27:1When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Augustan band.
- Acts 21:17When we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.
- Lam 3:37Who is he who says, and it comes to pass, when the Lord doesn’t command it?
- Rom 1:15So, as much as is in me, I am eager to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.
- Acts 21:4Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
- Acts 27:24saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, Paul. You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’
- Acts 25:10–12But Paul said, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well.
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Christ at the center
Acts is the risen Christ continuing his work by the Spirit through the church, as the apostles preach that there is salvation in no other name under heaven.
How Acts 19:21 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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