Why did Paul go to Jerusalem before he went to Rome?

Les explains that Paul’s planned route included Rome and even Spain, but his immediate priority was Jerusalem. Paul was determined to go first to Jerusalem to minister unto the saints—the believing Jews there. He did not know he would eventually arrive in Rome as a prisoner. The context shows that believers in Macedonia and Achaia, though intensely poor themselves, gave a contribution so Paul could carry it to the poor saints in Jerusalem who were Jews. Thus Jerusalem came before Rome because Paul was delivering relief and ministering to Jewish believers.