Acts 21:2

KJV

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} finding {G2147} a ship {G4143} sailing over {G1276} unto {G1519} Phenicia {G5403}, we went aboard {G1910}, and set forth {G321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On finding a ship that was crossing over to Phoenicia, we embarked and set sail.

Berean Standard Bible

Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded it and set sail.

American Standard Version

and having found a ship crossing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:2 chronicles a seemingly ordinary yet divinely orchestrated moment in Paul's third missionary journey, detailing the finding of a ship bound for Phenicia, which allowed Paul and his companions to continue their resolute progress towards Jerusalem. This brief verse underscores the mundane logistics of apostolic travel, revealing how God's providence guides His servants even in the practical details of their mission, moving them steadily towards His ultimate purposes despite impending dangers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within the "we" sections of Acts, signaling Luke's personal presence and eyewitness account of Paul's journey. Following Paul's extensive ministry in Ephesus and his subsequent travels through Macedonia and Achaia, as detailed in [Acts 20:1-6](/acts/20-1-6 "Paul's Journey Through Macedonia and Greece"), the narrative shifts to his determined return to Jerusalem. Paul is driven by a profound spiritual compulsion, despite numerous prophetic warnings from the Holy Spirit and fellow believers concerning the [suffering and imprisonment awaiting him](/acts/20-22-23 "Paul's Resolve and Warnings of Suffering"). The immediate preceding verse, [Acts 21:1](/acts/21-1 "Journey from Coos, Rhodes, and Patara"), describes their departure from Patara, having sailed past Coos and Rhodes. Finding a ship directly sailing to Phenicia was a crucial and efficient step in this complex ancient itinerary, facilitating their movement from island-hopping to a more direct coastal route towards their ultimate destination in Judea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient maritime travel was often dictated by prevailing winds, available ships, and established trade routes. Phenicia (modern-day Lebanon) was a renowned coastal region north of Israel, famous for its powerful maritime cities like Tyre and Sidon, which served as vital hubs for trade and shipping across the Mediterranean. Ships typically sailed along coastlines, stopping at various ports, rather than undertaking extensive open-sea voyages, making the discovery of a ship "sailing over unto Phenicia" a fortunate and strategic find for Paul's party. This region was also significant due to its long history of interaction with Israel and its early Christian communities, established through missionary efforts, including Paul's own. The journey described reflects the common, yet often perilous, methods of long-distance travel in the Roman Empire, relying on merchant vessels and the availability of suitable passage.
* **Key Themes:** The seemingly simple act of finding a ship in [Acts 21:2](/acts/21-2 "Finding a Ship to Phenicia") contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Direction in Mundane Travel**. The ease with which a suitable vessel was found can be interpreted as an instance of God's sovereign providence, guiding Paul's mission even through the ordinary logistics of travel. This echoes the broader theme of God's active involvement in the [apostolic journeys](/acts/16-6-10 "The Macedonian Call"). Secondly, it underscores **Perseverance in Mission**. Despite the foreknowledge of suffering and the arduous nature of ancient travel, Paul's persistent journey exemplifies his unwavering commitment to the gospel and his divine calling. This relentless pursuit of his mission, even in the face of adversity, is a recurring motif throughout [Paul's ministry](/acts/14-22 "Strengthening the Disciples"). Lastly, the verse reinforces **Luke's Eyewitness Account**. The consistent use of the "we" pronoun, which began earlier in [Acts 16:10](/acts/16-10 "The 'We' Sections Begin"), lends historical authenticity and credibility to the narrative, affirming Luke's personal presence and detailed observation of these events, thereby grounding the theological narrative in verifiable historical experience.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **finding (Greek, _heurískō'_):** This verb signifies "to find, get, obtain, or perceive." In this context, it implies the successful discovery of a suitable vessel, not by chance, but perhaps by divine arrangement or diligent search. The ease of "finding" a ship sailing to their desired general direction suggests a providential opening for their journey's continuation.
* **went aboard (Greek, _epibaínō'_):** Derived from "to walk upon," this term specifically means "to mount, ascend, embark, or arrive." It denotes the physical act of boarding the ship, signifying the immediate and decisive action taken by Paul and his companions upon locating the vessel. This verb highlights the practical step of committing to the next leg of their journey.
* **set forth (Greek, _anágō'_):** While the Strong's note indicates a gap in the provided data for this specific range, the verb _anágō_ (from _ana_ "up" and _agō_ "to lead") commonly means "to lead up, bring up," and in a nautical context, "to put to sea" or "to set sail" by weighing anchor. It marks the commencement of their voyage, indicating the ship's departure from the harbor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia":** This clause describes the successful identification of a vessel that would facilitate their journey. The phrase "sailing over unto Phenicia" indicates the ship's intended destination or route, which aligned with Paul's general direction towards Jerusalem. This detail is significant as it implies a providential alignment of their travel needs with an available means of transport, avoiding potentially lengthy waits or detours. Phenicia, a known maritime region, would have been a common destination for such vessels.
* **"we went aboard, and set forth":** This part of the verse details the immediate and decisive action taken by Paul and his companions. "We went aboard" signifies their physical embarkation, indicating their commitment to this particular ship and route. "And set forth" (or "set sail") denotes the ship's departure from the port, marking the official commencement of this leg of their journey. The use of "we" continues to emphasize Luke's eyewitness presence and participation in these events, lending a sense of immediacy and authenticity to the narrative.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Narrative Progression**, a fundamental literary technique in historical accounts. It efficiently moves the plot forward, detailing the practical steps of Paul's journey. The concise phrasing, "And finding... we went aboard, and set forth," exemplifies this forward momentum, focusing on action and movement. Furthermore, there is an underlying sense of **Verisimilitude**, as the description of finding a ship and setting sail is a common and realistic detail of ancient travel, grounding the extraordinary events of Paul's ministry in relatable, everyday experiences. While not explicitly stated, the ease of finding the ship subtly hints at **Divine Providence**, suggesting that even in the mundane logistics of travel, God's hand was guiding Paul's path, ensuring the necessary means were available for his mission to continue towards its divinely appointed conclusion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:2, though brief, offers profound theological insights into God's meticulous providence and the nature of faithful obedience. It illustrates that God's grand redemptive plan often unfolds not through miraculous interventions alone, but also through the seemingly ordinary and practical details of life. The finding of a ship, the act of boarding, and the setting forth are all mundane human actions, yet within the larger narrative of Paul's divinely appointed journey to Jerusalem, they become integral steps in God's sovereign will. This highlights that God is active in every aspect of our lives, orchestrating circumstances, providing resources, and opening pathways, even when we are simply "finding a ship." It encourages believers to trust in God's guidance not just in the "big" decisions, but in the daily, practical steps of their walk of faith, understanding that every movement can be part of His larger purpose.

* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "God Will Complete His Work")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:2 serves as a powerful reminder that our spiritual journeys, much like Paul's physical journey, are often a blend of divine guidance and human action. It encourages us to recognize God's hand in the seemingly ordinary logistics of our lives. Just as Paul found a ship that facilitated his next step towards Jerusalem, we too can trust that God provides the "ships" – the opportunities, resources, and connections – necessary for us to advance in His purposes. This verse calls us to be attentive to the practical provisions God makes, to act decisively when opportunities arise, and to persevere in our calling even when the path ahead is uncertain or fraught with potential difficulties. Our faithfulness is often demonstrated in our willingness to take the next practical step, trusting that God will direct our course and use our mundane efforts for His extraordinary ends.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what "mundane" areas of your life have you seen God's providential hand guiding your path?**
* **How does the idea of God working through ordinary means encourage you in your daily decisions and tasks?**
* **What "ship" or opportunity might God be presenting to you now, and what action is required on your part to "go aboard and set forth"?**
* **How can Paul's perseverance, despite foreknowledge of hardship, inspire your own commitment to your spiritual journey?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a seemingly minor detail like finding a ship included in the biblical narrative?**

Answer: The inclusion of such practical details, like finding a ship in [Acts 21:2](/acts/21-2 "Finding a Ship to Phenicia"), serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it lends **historical authenticity and verisimilitude** to the account, grounding the extraordinary supernatural events in the mundane realities of ancient travel. Luke, as an eyewitness, records these details to provide a comprehensive and believable narrative. Secondly, it subtly highlights **divine providence**. While not a miracle, the timely availability of a suitable ship for Paul's precise destination can be seen as God's quiet orchestration of circumstances, ensuring His servant's mission continues unimpeded. This demonstrates that God is at work in every aspect of life, not just the spectacular. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **human effort and practical diligence** required in ministry. Even apostles, guided by the Spirit, had to navigate logistical challenges, reminding us that faith and action go hand-in-hand. These seemingly minor details contribute to the rich tapestry of the biblical narrative, revealing God's involvement in the everyday and the extraordinary alike.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:2, though detailing a practical step in Paul's journey, resonates with profound Christ-centered fulfillment. Paul's determined progress towards Jerusalem, despite warnings of suffering, mirrors the resolute journey of Jesus Himself. Just as Paul "set forth" towards a destination where he knew hardship awaited, Jesus "set his face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), fully aware of the cross that awaited Him. The "finding of a ship" for Paul's journey can be seen as a type of divine provision, ensuring the pathway to His ultimate purpose. In a greater sense, Christ is the ultimate "way" and "path" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")) provided by God for humanity's journey to reconciliation. His life, culminating in His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, is the ultimate "setting forth" of God's redemptive plan, fulfilling all prophecies and bringing salvation. Paul's journey to Jerusalem, a city of both prophetic significance and ultimate suffering for Christ, foreshadows the suffering that believers, united with Christ, will also face, yet always with the assurance that God's sovereign hand is guiding them towards their ultimate, glorious destination in the New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:1-4](/revelation/21-1-4 "The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 15:3

And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

Acts 11:19

¶ Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only.

Acts 27:6

And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

Jonah 1:3

But Jonah rose up to flee unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD, and went down to Joppa; and he found a ship going to Tarshish: so he paid the fare thereof, and went down into it, to go with them unto Tarshish from the presence of the LORD.