Acts 19:21
What does Acts 19:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 19:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 19:21 means
After these events, Paul purposes in the spirit to pass through Macedonia and Achaia, go to Jerusalem, and then see Rome. His plans are both practical and Spirit-shaped, aligning with his calling to bear Christ’s name widely. Jerusalem represents stewardship of the broader church’s needs; Rome represents the heart of the empire and the further spread of the gospel. This verse marks a turning point: Paul’s sights are set on the path that will occupy the remainder of Acts. The Lord’s agenda advances not only through miracles but also through deliberate, prayerful planning under the Spirit’s guidance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611After 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now after these things were ended, Paul came to a decision that when he had gone through Macedonia and Achaia he would go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I have a desire to see Rome.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when these things were fulfilled, Paul purposed in his spirit to go to Jerusalem, passing through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, After I have been there I must see Rome also.
Context
This planning note follows the triumphant summary of the word’s growth in Ephesus. It introduces the next movement of Acts—Paul’s eventual journey to Jerusalem and Rome—while he still remains in Asia briefly. The subsequent verses record that he sends Timothy and Erastus ahead, and then a major disturbance breaks out concerning the Way. The stage is set for conflict as the gospel threatens entrenched economic and religious interests.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 24:17
Now after some years I came to bring alms to my nation, and offerings:
- Romans 15:23
but now, having no more any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come unto you,
- 2 Corinthians 1:15
And in this confidence I was minded to come first unto you, that ye might have a second benefit;
- Acts 28:16
And when we entered into Rome, Paul was suffered to abide by himself with the soldier that guarded him.
- Acts 20:16
For 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 at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
- Acts 25:10
But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.
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