²¹Now after these things were finished, Paul purposed 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.” ²²And having sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. ²³About that time there occurred no small disturbance concerning the Way.

The success of the gospel was not without its significant opposition, which Luke spends almost twenty verses describing. But first, Luke interrupts the story to entice us with details about Paul’s travel plans. Paul’s goal was always to preach the gospel and establish the churches. It was not his intention to stay around for the continuing persecution that usually occurs when the gospel produces changed lives. Not that he was afraid of persecution—he certainly experienced his share of that. There will always be persecution in every place. But his goal was to move on and preach the gospel in new areas.

His eye was set on preaching the gospel in Rome, a place he had not yet visited. His pattern had been to go to a major city in one area and win converts to Christ, who would then take the gospel to the surrounding areas. There was no more major city in the ancient world at that time than Rome. Under the reign of Caesar Augustus (27 BC to AD 14), the city became the seat of power for the most powerful empire in the ancient world. Preaching the gospel there would have far-reaching effects. No wonder Paul wanted to go there!

But first he had to return to Jerusalem, where, we know from other passages, he would be delivering a benevolence gift that he was collecting on this third mission tour (Rom. 15:25ff). His intention ultimately was to go to Spain. The study of Paul’s movements makes for fascinating research; he was quite intentional in his planning, but was always caring for the new believers.

We see here also the logistical planning in the apostle’s mind. Timothy and Erastus were his aides, willing to do whatever and go wherever was required. Paul was the senior partner, mentoring, guiding, and sending. Eventually, these and others that he mentored and trained, were left behind for their respective ministries, Timothy in Ephesus, eventually, and Erastus in Corinth (2 Tim. 4:20).

Luke lays out one last event, giving much space to describing it. Ephesus was no small city in the ancient world; in fact, it was a significant religious center for the worship of the goddess, Diana. One of the religious power-brokers was not going to sit idle while the gospel gained a following.

Lord, help us strategize well in the face of opposition, so that the gospel may continue to spread widely.