Act 19:21 | MHM | STEP | Paul Plans to Go to Rome; The Riot in Ephesus After many successful years of ministry in Ephesus, Paul began thinking about where God wanted him to go next. He felt led by the Holy Spirit to visit Jerusalem, and then to travel to Rome. Paul had a great desire to preach the gospel in Rome, the center of the Roman Empire, because he believed it was important for the message of Jesus to reach the whole world. However, before he could leave, a major disturbance broke out in Ephesus because of the impact Paul’s message was having on the city’s business and religious life. v. 21–22 : Paul decided in his spirit to travel through Macedonia and Achaia, then go to Jerusalem, and afterwards to Rome. He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia, but he stayed a little longer in Asia (the province where Ephesus was located). Paul was always planning ahead, but he also waited for God’s timing. His desire to visit Rome showed his vision for spreading the gospel as far as possible (Acts 19:21 ).

‏ Acts 19:21

Paul Plans to Go to Rome; The Riot in Ephesus

After many successful years of ministry in Ephesus, Paul began thinking about where God wanted him to go next. He felt led by the Holy Spirit to visit Jerusalem, and then to travel to Rome. Paul had a great desire to preach the gospel in Rome, the center of the Roman Empire, because he believed it was important for the message of Jesus to reach the whole world. However, before he could leave, a major disturbance broke out in Ephesus because of the impact Paul’s message was having on the city’s business and religious life.

v. 21–22: Paul decided in his spirit to travel through Macedonia and Achaia, then go to Jerusalem, and afterwards to Rome. He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, ahead to Macedonia, but he stayed a little longer in Asia (the province where Ephesus was located). Paul was always planning ahead, but he also waited for God’s timing. His desire to visit Rome showed his vision for spreading the gospel as far as possible (Acts 19:21 ^a).