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Acts 19

And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples,

He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost.

And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism.

Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus.

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied.

And all the men were about twelve.

And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

But when divers were hardened, and believed not, but spake evil of that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of one Tyrannus.

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul:

So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took upon them to call over them which had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preacheth.

And there were seven sons of one Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, which did so.

And the evil spirit answered and said, Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are ye?

And the man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks also dwelling at Ephesus; and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

And many that believed came, and confessed, and shewed their deeds.

Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men: and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

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.

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

And the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, which made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain unto the craftsmen;

Whom he called together with the workmen of like occupation, and said, Sirs, ye know that by this craft we have our wealth.

Moreover ye see and hear, that not alone at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul hath persuaded and turned away much people, saying that they be no gods, which are made with hands:

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.

And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.

And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not.

And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Some therefore cried one thing, and some another: for the assembly was confused; and the more part knew not wherefore they were come together.

And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defence unto the people.

But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice about the space of two hours cried out, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

And when the townclerk had appeased the people, he said, Ye men of Ephesus, what man is there that knoweth not how that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana, and of the image which fell down from Jupiter?

Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, ye ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

For ye have brought hither these men, which are neither robbers of churches, nor yet blasphemers of your goddess.

Wherefore if Demetrius, and the craftsmen which are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies: let them implead one another.

But if ye inquire any thing concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, there being no cause whereby we may give an account of this concourse.

And when he had thus spoken, he dismissed the assembly.

What does Acts 19:21 mean?

Explanation

Acts 19:21 describes a significant moment where the Apostle Paul outlines his travel plans, which included a visit to Jerusalem and then to Rome after completing his ministry in the regions of Macedonia and Achaia.

On a literal level, this verse indicates Paul's intent to travel to key locations central to the early Christian church.

It reflects Paul's strategic approach to ministry, choosing to visit the main urban centers of the ancient world.

On a deeper level, the phrase "Paul purposed in the spirit" suggests that his plans are not merely personal or strategic decisions but are guided by a divine calling and a sense of spiritual duty.

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

This verse is situated within the broader narrative of Paul's third missionary journey, which is narrated in the Book of Acts, authored by Luke.

Around this time, Macedonia and Achaia were provinces of the Roman Empire, corresponding broadly to modern-day Greece.

Paul was in Ephesus when he made the plans mentioned in Acts 19:21.

Jerusalem held religious significance as the historical center of Judaism and the site of Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection.

Rome, as the capital of the Empire, was significant for the spread of Christianity.

His reference to visiting Rome foreshadows the later expansion of the Christian church into the heart of the empire.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Paul's resolve to visit both Jerusalem and Rome can be seen as emblematic of the Christian message's outreach from its Jewish roots to the Gentile world.

His travels illustrate the missionary character of the early church and its commitment to spreading the Gospel.

Roman Catholic and Protestant commentators might highlight Paul's obedience to the Holy Spirit's guidance ("purposed in the spirit") as a model for discerning one's vocation or mission.

Eastern Orthodox perspectives could emphasize the communal implications of Paul's journey, linking the unity of the early church to his visits to the various Christian communities.

Practical Applications

This verse can be applied to modern life by recognizing the importance of having clear purpose and direction, especially if one believes that such purpose is spiritually guided or inspired.

It can inspire individuals to consider their own life's mission and to make plans while being open to divine guidance.

Additionally, it exemplifies goal-setting and intentionality in one's work or ministry, and encourages believers to think globally when engaging in service or spreading their beliefs.

Cross-References

Romans 15:25-26: "But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem."

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

Language Study

The key phrase "purposed in the spirit" (Greek: "ἔθετο τὸ πνεῦμα") conveys a determination that goes beyond mere personal decision-making, representing a decision that is aligned with spiritual or divine intent.

The term "πνεῦμα" (pneuma) can be translated as "spirit," and its use here suggests a non-corporeal influence on Paul's intentions, likely referring to the Holy Spirit.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing early Christian missionary activity to other ancient religious movements underscores the unique character of Christian evangelism.

Unlike many ancient religions, which were typically ethnocentric and tied to specific cultures, Christianity, as exemplified by Paul's journey, was missionary and universal in its outreach.

This contrasted with, for example, the Greco-Roman cults which were often localized and centered around specific deities and practices.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, Paul's intended journey would be studied in terms of human migration, cultural diffusion, and the spread of ideas.

Anthropology and sociology might explore how Paul's journeys contributed to the transmission of Christianity across different socio-cultural landscapes.

Historians and geographers might examine the practical considerations of travelling across the Roman Empire, considering factors like the Roman road system, maritime routes, and logistical preparations for such journeys.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and commentators have offered various interpretations of Acts 19:21.

Some view it with an emphasis on Paul's missionary strategy, suggesting his plans were both spiritually guided and practically sound.

Others reflect on how this single verse captures the essence of Paul's commitment to following what he believed was a divine mandate, despite the personal risks involved.

John Stott and F.F.

Bruce, respected New Testament commentators, highlight the significance of Paul's desire to go to Rome, considering it a symbol of his ambition to preach the Gospel at the center of the known world.

Acts 19

Acts 19

What does Acts 19:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 19:21 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?