Plan to go up to Jerusalem

“Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, saying, ‘After I have been there, I must also see Rome.’” (1) “Now after these things were finished” or “Now after these events” (ESV), refers to the events following the episode of the seven sons of Sceva and the subsequent occurrences. (2) “Paul resolved in the Spirit.” Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Paul’s ministry moved to the next stage. At the same time, Paul himself recognized that the time had come to advance to the next phase. In the province of Asia, opportunities for ministry were diminishing, and the churches in Macedonia and Achaia were growing. Therefore, it was time for Paul to move forward to the next stage. (3) Paul envisioned a fourth missionary journey. While he had various short-term plans, his long-term goal was to visit Rome. Beyond Rome, Spain was also within his sights. (4) “Paul resolved in the Spirit to go to Jerusalem after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia.” Paul intended to provide follow-up ministry to the churches in Macedonia and Achaia. Additionally, he sought to collect offerings from these economically stable churches. The purpose of the collection was to aid the poor saints in Jerusalem.

Paul’s state of mind

The Letter to the Romans was written near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, during his stay in Corinth (Acts 20:2-3), just before delivering the offerings collected from the churches to the saints in Jerusalem. Paul’s state of mind at the time is described in detail in Romans 15:22-25. Though it is lengthy, let us quote it here. “For this reason I have often been prevented from coming to you; but now, with no further place for me in these regions, and since I have had for many years a longing to come to you whenever I go to Spain—for I hope to see you in passing, and to be helped on my way there by you, when I have first enjoyed your company for a while— but now, I am going to Jerusalem, serving the saints.” The guidance of the Holy Spirit aligned with Paul’s desire. Both our faith life and our ministry work are guided by the Holy Spirit. If we earnestly seek the will of the Lord, we will surely receive His direction. The Lord Jesus is waiting for us to turn our faces toward Him.