These things may refer back either to the events described in verses 13-19, or it may refer back to the two years of verse 10. The former possibility is more probable, since two years is apparently too far removed to be the antecedent.

Paul made up his mind may also be understood in the sense of “Paul led by the (Holy) Spirit, decided” (see An American Translation* “under the Spirit’s guidance”). The problem is that the literal Greek clause “Paul decided in the spirit” may refer either to the Holy Spirit or to Paul’s own human spirit. Commentators and translators are divided in their judgment regarding the translation of this clause. If it is the Holy Spirit which is being referred to in Paul’s decision, then one may translate “the Holy Spirit caused Paul to decide.”

Must (see had to of 1.16) indicates that Paul feels that it is God’s will for him to visit Rome.

See Rome implies much more than simply being “a sightseer.” Paul’s purpose is “to visit Rome” or “to go to Rome for a while.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .