Acts 19:21,22

CRITICAL REMARKS

Acts 19:22. Timothy.—See on Acts 16:1. Erastus.—Whether the city treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23) or Paul’s helper in Rome (2 Timothy 4:20), or whether both were the same individual is debated. For the nature of this mission of Timothy and Erastus see 1 Corinthians 4:17, and compare “Hints.”

HOMILETICAL ANALYSIS.—Acts 19:21

Paul’s Last Days in Ephesus; or, Contemplating New Plans

I. A run through Macedonia and Achaia.—These the main divisions, northern and southern, into which Greece under Roman rule was divided. The apostle’s object in this second crossing into Europe was to visit the Churches which had there been established, as e.g., in the towns of Philippi

(16), Thessalonica and Berœa
(17), and Corinth

(18), for the twofold purpose of first establishing them in the faith, and correcting such disorders as he knew had crept in among them, and secondly of bringing to a close the collection for the poor saints at Jerusalem, which had for upwards of a year been going on among the Churches there. This part of the apostle’s plan was subsequently carried out (Acts 20:1); but in the meanwhile he remained in Ephesus, and sent over Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia.

II. A visit to Jerusalem.—“As the Redeemer, when He had fulfilled His course, set His face steadfastly to go to Jerusalem (Luke 9:51), so Paul also turns back to that city where the Lord was crucified, and where He had founded His first Church” (Lechler). Why he wished again to journey to Jerusalem is not stated by Luke, but from the Epistles to the Romans (Acts 15:26) and Corinthians (1 Acts 16:1, Acts 8:1), it may be inferred that he contemplated bearing to the poor saints there the above mentioned munificent contribution from the Churches of Macedonia and Achaia. That he carried out this his fifth and last visit to Jerusalem is reported by Luke (Acts 20:16, Acts 21:17).

III. A journey to Rome.—The first notice of any desire on the apostle’s part to visit the metropolis of the Gentile world. That he actually had this desire and really used the words ascribed to him by Luke is confirmed by his letters to the Romans (Acts 1:10, Acts 15:23). The necessity which constrained him does not appear to have been any externally revealed intimation of the divine will, but a strong inward impulse in this direction which had been imparted to his spirit, doubtless by the Holy Spirit. The plan projected by himself was after visiting Jerusalem to start upon a fourth missionary tour, proceed to Rome and travel westward as far as Spain. How different this was from God’s plan for him will afterwards appear.

Learn.—

1. The propriety of forming purposes always in subordination to the divine will (James 4:15).

2. The wisdom of avoiding undue haste in carrying out our plans.
3. The advantage of always waiting upon God to direct one’s path.

HINTS AND SUGGESTIONS

Acts 19:21. “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” Compare with Romans 1:13; Romans 15:23. “The conformity between the history and the epistle is perfect. In the first quotation from the Epistle we find that a design of visiting Rome had long dwelt in the apostle’s mind; in the quotation from the Acts we find that design expressed a considerable time before the Epistle was written. In the history we find that the plan which Paul had formed was to pass through Macedonia and Achaia; after that to go to Jerusalem; and when he had finished his visit there to sail for Rome. When the Epistle was written, he had executed so much of his plan as to have passed through Macedonia and Achaia, and was preparing to pursue the remainder of it by speedily setting out towards Jerusalem; and in this point of his travels he tells his friends at Rome that when he had completed the business which carried him to Jerusalem he would come to them, when he should make his journey into Spain.” Also “the very inspection of the passages will satisfy us that they were not made up from one another.… If the passage in the Epistle was taken from the Acts, why was Spain put in? If the passage in the Acts was taken from the Epistle, why was Spain left out? If the two passages were unknown to each other, nothing can account for their conformity but truth.”—Paley, Horœ Paulinœ, chap. II., iii.

Acts 19:22. The Mission of Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia.—“Of Timothy’s special mission in Macedonia we know nothing, but from 1 Corinthians 4:17, we learn that this trusted companion of the Gentile apostle was directed to pass on to Corinth to prepare the Church there for the approaching visit of the apostle. Erastus was most likely the same as the person alluded to in Romans 16:23, as the chamberlain of Corinth, and was not improbably chosen as the companion of Timothy on this difficult and delicate mission with which he was charged, on the supposition that his rank and station among the citizens would be a support to Timothy, who was the bearer of Paul’s stern, grave message to his well-loved Church.”—Spence.

Presumption or Piety—Which?—“After I have been there I must also see Rome.”

I. Presumption.—This Paul’s utterance might have been had he formed the resolution it expresses in his own mind and with dependence for carrying it out in his own strength. In this case, the signs of sinful arrogance would have been—

1. The double use of the pronoun “I,” whereas he should have remembered God and connected his purpose with Him, who alone orders and guides man’s ways.
2. The taking for granted that he would ever reach Jerusalem, which he might never have done, and certainly could not have done without the divine help and protection.
3. The self-confident assertion that he must see Rome, whereas again he ought to have said, “If the Lord will!” remembering that there can be no “must” in any plan or purpose outside of God’s arrangement or permission.

II. Piety.—This Paul’s utterance was because—

1. The purpose to which it referred was
(1) Formed under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Though not expressly stated this may be inferred.
2. Indicative of his love for the brethren—at least if his motive in desiring to visit Jerusalem was to carry gifts to the poor saints residing there.
3. Expressive of ardent zeal for the extension of the gospel. In this way must the desire and resolution to visit Rome be regarded.
4. Perhaps also suggestive of the loftiness of Paul’s faith, which confided in the divine assistance and support until these great desires of his heart were accomplished.

Timothy and Erastus.

I. Diverse.—

1. In race. Timothy a half Jew and half Greek: Erastus either a whole Jew or a whole Greek.

2. In birthplace. Timothy a native of Lystra: Erastus most likely of Corinth (Romans 16:23), or perhaps of Ephesus.

3. In station. Timothy the son of an obscure father: Erastus, if of Corinth, the treasurer of the city.

II. United.—

1. In Christian discipleship. Both believers and adherents of the way.

2. In relationship to Paul. Both numbered among his helpers.

3. In missionary service. Both sent into Macedonia.