King James Version

What Does Acts 19:21 Mean?

Acts 19:21 in the King James Version says “After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Je... — study this verse from Acts chapter 19 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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 · KJV


Context

19

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.

20

So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed.

21

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.

22

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

23

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Paul purposed in the spirit—The phrase ambiguously might mean Paul's own spirit or the Holy Spirit's guidance. Likely both: Paul's resolute intention aligned with Spirit's direction. His itinerary—Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem, then Rome—traces the closing chapters of Acts, showing divine sovereignty over apostolic mission. I must also see Rome (δεῖ με καὶ Ῥώμην ἰδεῖν)—the verb δεῖ (must) appears throughout Luke-Acts for divine necessity. Paul sensed compelling obligation to reach the empire's capital, fulfilled unexpectedly through arrest and appeal to Caesar (Acts 25:11). God's purposes often arrive through paths we wouldn't choose.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 54, this purpose was fulfilled AD 60-62 when Paul reached Rome as a prisoner. Romans 1:13-15 confirms Paul's long-standing desire to evangelize Rome. His journey through Macedonia and Achaia produced 2 Corinthians, and the Jerusalem visit (Acts 21) resulted in his arrest.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern when personal desires align with the Spirit's direction for your life?
  2. What does Paul's 'must see Rome' teach about persevering toward God-given goals despite obstacles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 30 words
Ὡς1 of 30
G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 30

After

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐπληρώθη3 of 30

were ended

G4137

to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute

ταῦτα4 of 30

these things

G5023

these things

ἔθετο5 of 30

purposed

G5087

to place (in the widest application, literally and figuratively; properly, in a passive or horizontal posture, and thus different from g2476, which pr

6 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Παῦλος7 of 30

Paul

G3972

(little; but remotely from a derivative of g3973, meaning the same); paulus, the name of a roman and of an apostle

ἐν8 of 30

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ9 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πνεύματι10 of 30

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

διελθὼν11 of 30

when he had passed through

G1330

to traverse (literally)

τὴν12 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Μακεδονίαν13 of 30

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

καὶ14 of 30

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ἀχαΐαν15 of 30

Achaia

G882

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

πορεύεσθαι16 of 30

to go

G4198

to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)

εἰς17 of 30

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Ἱερουσάλημ,18 of 30

Jerusalem

G2419

hierusalem (i.e., jerushalem), the capitol of palestine

εἰπὼν19 of 30

saying

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

ὅτι20 of 30

After

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

Μετὰ21 of 30
G3326

properly, denoting accompaniment; "amid" (local or causal); modified variously according to the case (genitive association, or accusative succession)

τὸ22 of 30
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γενέσθαι23 of 30

have been

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

με24 of 30

I

G3165

me

ἐκεῖ25 of 30

there

G1563

there; by extension, thither

δεῖ26 of 30

must

G1163

also deon deh-on'; neuter active participle of the same; both used impersonally; it is (was, etc.) necessary (as binding)

με27 of 30

I

G3165

me

καὶ28 of 30

also

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

Ῥώμην29 of 30

Rome

G4516

strength; roma, the capital of italy

ἰδεῖν30 of 30

see

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 19:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 19:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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