Acts 19:21-22 21Now after these things were finished, Paul resolved in the Spirit after passing through Macedonia and Achaia to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, it is necessary for me to see Rome.” 22And having sent into Macedonia two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Paul had spent a significant amount of time in Ephesus, almost three years. His ministry had been significantly effective, as Luke notes in verse 20. There were both trials and victories. As with many ministry situations, Paul felt the prompting of the Spirit that it was time to move on. It can be difficult to leave a ministry, especially one that has had a significant impact, like what Paul’s did in Ephesus. But when God gives a fresh vision, we should follow where he leads. Paul felt a strong pull and desire to go to Rome, represented with it is necessary (dei). His plan was to circle around to Macedonia, which could have involved key churches where he had been before, like Philippi and Thessalonica. He planned to continue on to Achaia, which would have involved visiting the challenging church in Corinth.
Paul had two goals: to get to Jerusalem and to set his eyes on Rome. Luke does not record why Paul wanted to go to Jerusalem. However, Paul explained in Romans 15:25–31 that he wanted to take up a collection for the believers in Jerusalem who were going through a difficult time. Paul was likely in Corinth when he wrote to the Romans, already taking up the collection. By that point, he hoped to visit Rome and then move on to Spain. The book of Acts ends with Paul in Rome. Beginning in chapter 19, Paul’s story moved forward to this goal, though often with many challenges.
Timothy had come from Corinth (18:5) and joined Paul in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 4:17; 16:10–11). Paul sent him and Erastus on ahead of him to Corinth. This Erastus may be the one mentioned in Romans 16:23 as the city treasurer of Corinth. If this is the same person, the gospel had reached high-ranking people in the city. He may have then stayed in Corinth and continued in ministry there (2 Timothy 4:20). Sending the two onward to help start the collection would provide accountability and help prepare the way so Paul could move on towards Jerusalem. God was moving in the hearts of many people throughout the nascent church to express love and devotion as the church grew in its mission.