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Commentary on Acts 21 verses 1–7
We may observe here,
I. How much ado Paul had to get clear from Ephesus, intimated in the first words of the chapter, after we had gotten from them, that is, were drawn from them as by violence. It was a force put upon both sides; Paul was loth to leave them, and they were loth to part with him, and yet there was no remedy, but so it must be. When good people are taken away by death, they are, as it were, gotten from their friends here below, who struggled hard to have detained them if possible.
II. What a prosperous voyage they had thence. Without any difficulty, they came with a straight course, by direct sailing, to Coos, a famous Grecian island, - the next day to Rhodes, talked of for the Colossus there, - thence to Patara, a famous port, the metropolis of Lycia (Act 21:1); here they very happily found a ship sailing over into Phenicia, the very course they were steering, Act 21:2. Providence must be acknowledged when things happen thus opportunely, and we are favoured by some little circumstances that contribute to the expediting of our affairs; and we must say, It is God that maketh our way perfect. This ship that was bound for Phenicia (that is, Tyre) they took the convenience of, went on board, and set sail for Tyre. In this voyage they discovered Cyprus, the island that Barnabas was of, and which he took care of, and therefore Paul did not visit it, but we left it on the left hand (Act 21:3), sailed upon the coast of Syria, and at length landed at Tyre, that celebrated mart of the nations, so it had been, but was now reduced; yet something of a trade it had still, for there the ship was to unlade her burden, and did so.
III. The halt that Paul made at Tyre; when he had arrived there, he was upon the coast of the land of Israel, and found now that he could compass the remainder of his journey within the time he had fixed.
1.At Tyre he found disciples, some that had embraced the gospel, and professed the Christian faith. Observe, Wherever Paul came, he enquired what disciples were there, found them out, and associated with them; for we know what is the usage with birds of a feather. When Christ was upon earth, though he went sometimes into the coast of Tyre, yet he never went thither to preach the gospel there; nor did he think fit to afford to Tyre and Sidon the advantages which Chorazin and Bethsaida had, though he knew that if they had had them they would have made a better improvement of them, Luk 10:13, Luk 10:14. But, after the enlarging of the gospel-commission, Christ was preached at Tyre, and had disciples there; and to this, some think, that prophecy concerning Tyre had reference (Isa 23:18), Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord.
2.Paul, finding those disciples at Tyre, tarried there seven days, they urging him to stay with them as long as he could. He staid seven days at Troas (Act 20:6), and here so many days at Tyre, that he might be sure to spend one Lord's day with them, and so might have an opportunity of preaching publicly among them; for it is the desire of good men to do good wherever they come, and where we find disciples we may either benefit them or be benefited by them.
3.The disciples at Tyre were endowed with such gifts that they could by the Spirit foretel the troubles Paul would meet with at Jerusalem; for the Holy Ghost witnessed it in every city, Act 20:23. Being a thing that would be so much talked of when it came to pass, God saw fit to have it much prophesied of before, that people's faith, instead of being offended, might be confirmed. And withal they were endowed with such graces that foreseeing his troubles, out of love to him and concern for the church, especially the churches of the Gentiles, that could ill spare him, they begged of him that he would not go up to Jerusalem, for they hoped the decree was conditional: If he go up, he will come into trouble there; as the prediction to David that the men of Keilah will deliver him up (that is, if he venture himself with them); and therefore they said to him, by the Spirit, that he should not go up, because they concluded it would be most for the glory of God that he should continue at liberty; and it was not at all their fault to think so, and consequently to dissuade him; but it was their mistake, for his trial would be for the glory of God and the furtherance of the gospel, and he knew it; and the importunity that was used with him, to dissuade him from it, renders his pious and truly heroic resolution the more illustrious.
4.The disciples of Tyre, though they were none of Paul's converts, yet showed a very great respect to Paul, whose usefulness in the church they had heard so much of when he departed from Tyre. Though they had had but seven days' acquaintance with him, yet, as if he had been some great man, they all came together, with their wives and children, solemnly to take leave of him, to beg his blessing, and to bring him as far on his way as the sea would permit them. Note, (1.) We should pay respect, not only to our own ministers, that are over us in the Lord, and admonish us, and, for their work's sake among us, esteem them highly in love, but we must, as there is occasion, testify our love and respect to all the faithful ministers of Christ, both for his sake whose ministers they are, and for their work's sake among others. (2.) We must, in a particular manner, honour those whom God hath singularly honoured, by making them eminently useful in their generation. (3.) It is good to train up children in a respect to good people and good ministers. This was particularly remarkable at Tyre, which we have not met with any where else, that they brought their wives and children to attend Paul, to do him the more honour and to receive benefit by his instructions and prayers; and as angry notice was taken of the children of the idolaters of Bethel, that mocked a prophet, so, no doubt, gracious notice was taken of the children of the disciples at Tyre, that honoured an apostle, as Christ accepted the hosannas of the little children. (4.) We should be good husbands of our opportunities, and make the utmost we can of them for the good of our souls. They brought Paul on his way, that they might have so much the more of his company and his prayers. Some refer us to Psa 45:12, as a prediction of this, The daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; for it is probable that they made some presents to Paul at parting, as usual to our friends that are going to sea, Act 28:10.
5.They parted with prayer, as Paul and the Ephesians elders had done, ch. 20:36. Thus Paul has taught us by example, as well as rule, to pray always, to pray without ceasing. We kneeled down on the shore and prayed. Paul prayed for himself, prayed for them, prayed for all the churches; as he was much in prayer so he was mighty in prayer. They prayed upon the shore, that their last farewell might be sanctified and sweetened with prayer. Those that are going to sea should, when they quit the shore, commit themselves to God by prayer, and put themselves under his protection, as those that hope, even when they leave the terra firma, to find firm footing for their faith in the providence and promise of God. They kneeled down on the shore, though we may suppose it either stony or dirty, and there prayed. Paul would that men should pray every where, and so he did himself; and, where he lifted up his prayer, he bowed his knees. Mr. George Herbert says, Kneeling never spoiled silk stockings.
6.They parted at last (Act 21:6): When we had taken our leave one of another, with the most affectionate embraces and expressions of love and grief, we took ship to be gone, and they returned home again, each complaining that this is a parting world. Observe how they disposed of themselves: "We, that had a journey before us, took ship, thankful that we had a ship to carry us; and those, who had no occasions to call them abroad returned home again, thankful that they had a home to go to." Rejoice Zebulun in thy going out, and Issachar in thy tents. Paul left his blessing behind him with those that returned home, and those that staid sent their prayers after those that went to sea.
IV. Their arrival at Ptolemais, which was not far from Tyre (Act 21:27): We came to Ptolemais, which some think is the same place with Accho, which we find in the tribe of Asher, Jdg 1:31. Paul begged leave to go ashore there, to salute the brethren, to enquire of their state, and to testify his good will to them; though he could not stay long with them, yet he would not pass by them without paying his respects to them, and he abode with them one day, perhaps it was a Lord's day; better a short stay than no visit.
"And they accompanied them," it says, "unto the ship. And it came to pass, that after we had torn ourselves from them" - so much did they love him, such was their affection towards him - "and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara." Methinks Paul also wept. "Having torn ourselves away," he says: he shows the violence of it by saying, "having torn ourselves away from them." And with reason: otherwise they could never have got to sea. What means, "We came with a straight course unto Coos?" Instead of saying, "we did not go round nor make stay in other places." See how he hastes on.
"And when it came to pass that, being parted from them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos." Then, as though violently parted from them, they came to Coos; and moving on to Rhodes and Patara, passing through Phenice and Cyprus, they came all the way to Tyre. Having found some disciples there, Paul stayed with them for seven days. Warned by the power of foreknowledge, they said to Paul that he should not hasten to go up to Jerusalem, as a grievous storm awaited him there. Having said a prayer and taken leave, they came from there to Ptolemais, and then to Caesarea, where Paul entered the house of Philip the preacher, who was one of the seven whom the apostles had earlier put in charge of the management of tables. This man had four virgin daughters who prophesized the words of the Lord. While they stayed there, there came from Jerusalem a prophet named Agabus, who, taking Paul's girdle and binding his own feet, said that the man whose girdle it was would soon be bound in that manner by the Jews, and delivered into the hands of the Gentiles. Then the disciples, together with the faithful, asked Paul to avoid the imminent dangers.
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SUMMARY
Acts 21:1 initiates the final leg of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, detailing his departure from Miletus and the initial stages of his sea voyage towards Jerusalem. This verse, characteristic of Luke's meticulous historical reporting, identifies the specific islands and port cities—Coos, Rhodes, and Patara—that Paul and his companions visited, marking a direct and purposeful progression toward his destined encounter in the Jewish capital.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 21:1 skillfully employs Geographical Precision and Verisimilitude. The meticulous naming of specific islands (Coos, Rhodes) and the port city (Patara) is not merely incidental but serves to ground the spiritual and theological narrative in concrete, verifiable reality. This detailed mapping of Paul's journey enhances the Verisimilitude of the account, making it feel authentic and historically reliable. It allows the reader to trace Paul's physical movements, thereby reinforcing the factual basis of the events described. Furthermore, the phrase "came with a straight course" functions as a subtle form of Understatement or Implication, suggesting divine favor without explicitly stating a miracle. It implies that God's providence was at work, providing favorable conditions for Paul's progress, even in the seemingly mundane details of travel.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:1, while seemingly a simple navigational report, carries profound theological implications. It underscores God's meticulous providence, not just in grand miraculous interventions, but also in the mundane details of daily life and travel. Paul's determined journey, despite the emotional farewells and forewarnings of suffering, exemplifies a commitment to divine calling that transcends personal comfort or fear. This steadfastness, facilitated by "a straight course," suggests that God orchestrates circumstances—even natural phenomena like winds—to advance His purposes and protect His servants. It reminds believers that God's sovereignty extends to every aspect of our lives, guiding our paths and providing the necessary conditions for us to fulfill our callings, even when the destination promises hardship.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:1, though brief, offers a powerful testament to the nature of faithful discipleship. Paul's journey, marked by both emotional goodbyes and a clear sense of purpose, reminds us that following God's call often involves pressing forward through challenging transitions and uncertain futures. The "straight course" he experienced can be a metaphor for the divine enablement we receive when we are aligned with God's will. It encourages us to trust that even in the practical, seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives—our daily commutes, our work projects, our family routines—God is at work, orchestrating details for His glory and our good. This verse invites us to cultivate a mindset of perseverance, to remain focused on the path God has set before us, and to recognize His hand in the mundane as much as in the miraculous. It challenges us to embrace the journey with a determined spirit, knowing that our ultimate destination is in His sovereign hands.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why does Luke include such specific geographical details in his narrative?
Answer: Luke's inclusion of specific geographical details, such as Coos, Rhodes, and Patara, serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it underscores the historical reliability of his account. By naming real places and describing a plausible travel route, Luke grounds the narrative in verifiable reality, inviting readers to see the events of Acts not as myth but as actual history. Second, it provides narrative realism, allowing readers to visualize Paul's arduous journeys and appreciate the physical demands of ancient missionary work. Third, these details often imply divine providence, as favorable travel conditions (like a "straight course") were not guaranteed in ancient sea travel and could be seen as God's hand guiding His servant. Finally, it reinforces the authenticity of the "we-passages," as such precise details would naturally come from an eyewitness like Luke, who was present on these legs of the journey. These details contribute to the overall credibility and richness of the book of Acts.
What is the significance of the phrase "came with a straight course"?
Answer: The phrase "came with a straight course" (Greek: euthydroméō) is significant in a maritime context. It literally means "to run straight" or "to sail directly." In ancient sailing, which was heavily dependent on winds and currents, achieving a "straight course" implied favorable conditions, such as a steady following wind, that allowed the ship to proceed efficiently without tacking or being driven off course. Theologically, while not explicitly stated as a miracle, this detail often subtly points to divine favor and guidance. It suggests that God was providing optimal conditions for Paul's journey, enabling him to reach his destinations without unnecessary delay or hardship. This aligns with the broader theme in the Bible of God guiding the steps of His faithful servants, even in the practicalities of their travel and daily lives, ensuring they arrive where He intends for His purposes to be fulfilled.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:1, depicting Paul's resolute and divinely guided journey towards Jerusalem, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the unwavering determination of Jesus Himself to complete His redemptive mission. Just as Paul "came with a straight course" towards a city where he knew suffering awaited him, so too did Jesus set His face "steadfastly to go to Jerusalem" (Luke 9:51), fully aware of the cross that lay ahead. Paul's journey, facilitated by God's providence, mirrors the perfect, unimpeded path of Christ, who, though facing immense opposition, never deviated from the Father's will to accomplish salvation. The "straight course" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the perfect, unswerving obedience of the Son, who "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" (Philippians 2:8). Paul's mission to preach the gospel, even through hardship, directly flows from the finished work of Christ, who, by His death and resurrection, secured the very message Paul was compelled to deliver to the nations. Thus, this seemingly simple travelogue points to the greater journey of Christ, whose purposeful life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation and power for all faithful Christian endeavor, enabling believers to run their own "straight course" in service to His kingdom (Hebrews 12:1-2).