Acts 21:3

KJV

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

KJV (with Strong's)

Now {G1161} when we had discovered {G398} Cyprus {G2954},{G2532} we left {G2641} it {G846} on the left hand {G2176}, and sailed {G4126} into {G1519} Syria {G4947}, and {G2532} landed {G2609} at {G1519} Tyre {G5184}: for {G1063} there {G1566} the ship {G4143} was {G2258} to unlade {G670} her burden {G1117}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After sighting Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria and landed at Tzor, because that was where the ship was unloading its cargo.

Berean Standard Bible

After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo.

American Standard Version

And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:3 recounts a specific segment of Paul's final voyage to Jerusalem, detailing the ship's passage past Cyprus, its eastward trajectory into Syria, and its eventual docking at the ancient port city of Tyre. This verse highlights the practical realities of ancient maritime travel, where commercial necessity dictated routes and stops, underscoring how divine providence often works through the ordinary logistics of human life to advance God's sovereign purposes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of the "we" sections in the book of Acts, indicating Luke's presence with Paul and his companions. It immediately follows the account of Paul's departure from Patara (Acts 21:1-2) and precedes his significant seven-day stay in Tyre, where he encountered disciples who, by the Spirit, warned him not to go to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4-6). The broader narrative of [Acts 20-21](/acts/20-21 "Acts 20-21 - Paul's Journey to Jerusalem") is saturated with Paul's resolute determination to reach Jerusalem, despite repeated warnings of suffering, driven by a profound sense of divine compulsion to deliver the collection for the saints and bear witness to Christ. This verse, therefore, serves as a crucial geographical and logistical waypoint in this divinely orchestrated, yet practically executed, journey.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ancient sea travel in the Mediterranean was heavily dependent on prevailing winds and the sighting of prominent landmasses for navigation. Ships typically hugged coastlines or sailed between islands, making stops at major port cities for trade, supplies, and shelter. Tyre, an ancient Phoenician city located on the coast of modern-day Lebanon, was one of the most significant and prosperous maritime trade centers of the ancient world. Its history stretched back millennia, and it was renowned for its commercial prowess, particularly in purple dye and cedar. As a major Roman provincial city in Syria, Tyre served as a vital hub for unloading and loading cargo, making it a natural and necessary stop for any commercial vessel traversing the eastern Mediterranean. The mention of Cyprus, an island Paul had visited on his [first missionary journey](/acts/13-4 "Acts 13:4 - Paul's First Missionary Journey to Cyprus"), provides a geographical anchor for the reader, emphasizing the familiar routes of the time.

* **Key Themes:** Acts 21:3 contributes to several overarching themes in the narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Guidance Intersecting with Practical Logistics**. While Paul's journey to Jerusalem was undeniably Spirit-led and driven by a deep spiritual conviction, the verse demonstrates that God's providence often operates through the mundane and practical necessities of life, such as a ship's commercial schedule. Secondly, it highlights the **Nature of Apostolic Travel** in the first century, revealing that missionary endeavors often coincided with regular commercial routes, allowing the apostles to travel efficiently and integrate with the broader world. This practical reality of travel is a recurring motif in Acts, showing how the gospel spread along the established arteries of the Roman Empire. Finally, the verse subtly introduces the theme of **God's Sovereignty in Ordinary Circumstances**, suggesting that even a commercial stop for unloading cargo was part of God's larger plan to bring Paul to Tyre, where he would encounter disciples and face further prophetic warnings about his impending suffering in [Jerusalem](/acts/21-10-14 "Acts 21:10-14 - Agabus' Prophecy and Paul's Resolve").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **discovered (Greek, _anaphaínō'_):** From G398, meaning "to show, i.e. (reflexively) appear, or (passively) to have pointed out." In this context, it signifies that Cyprus "came into view" or "appeared" to them. It reflects the ancient method of navigation where sighting landmasses was crucial for determining location and direction, rather than an act of "discovery" in the modern sense.
* **on the left hand (Greek, _euṓnymos'_):** From G2176, properly meaning "well-named (good-omened), i.e. the left." This term, used adverbially here, precisely indicates the ship's course. By leaving Cyprus "on the left hand," it means they passed the island to their north, sailing eastward. This detail confirms their trajectory from the west (Patara) towards the Syrian coast.
* **unlade (Greek, _apophortízomai'_):** From G670, meaning "to unload." This verb specifically describes the action of offloading cargo from a ship. It clearly states the commercial purpose of their stop in Tyre, emphasizing the practical and logistical reason for their disembarkation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when we had discovered Cyprus":** This clause marks a significant navigational point in their journey. After sailing from Patara, they sighted the large island of Cyprus, a familiar landmark in the eastern Mediterranean. The use of "we" continues to underscore Luke's eyewitness account and participation in this voyage.
* **"we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria":** This detail provides the precise direction of their travel. By keeping Cyprus to their left (north), they were sailing in an easterly direction, directly towards the coast of Syria, the Roman province that included the Phoenician cities like Tyre. This indicates a deliberate course towards the mainland.
* **"and landed at Tyre":** This signifies their arrival and disembarkation at the renowned port city of Tyre. Landing (Greek: _katágō_) implies bringing the ship to shore and mooring it, completing this leg of the journey. Tyre was a strategic and bustling commercial hub, making it a logical stop for any ship with cargo.
* **"for there the ship was to unlade her burden":** This final clause provides the explicit reason for their stop. The ship was a commercial vessel, and Tyre was a major port for trade. The "burden" (Greek: _gómos_) refers to the ship's cargo or merchandise. This detail highlights the practical, non-missionary reason for their arrival, yet it providentially placed Paul and his companions in a city where they would soon encounter a community of believers.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 21:3 employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Narrative Detail**, providing precise geographical and logistical information about the journey. This meticulous detail lends **Realism** and authenticity to the account, allowing the reader to visualize the ancient sea voyage. The inclusion of the "we" pronoun is a form of **Eyewitness Testimony**, a hallmark of Luke's writing, which enhances the credibility and immediacy of the events described. Furthermore, there is a subtle element of **Divine Irony** or **Providence** at play: while the ship's stop in Tyre was purely for commercial reasons ("to unlade her burden"), this seemingly mundane necessity became the means by which Paul was brought into contact with a community of disciples (Acts 21:4), demonstrating God's ability to orchestrate spiritual encounters through ordinary circumstances.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:3, though seemingly a simple navigational report, carries profound theological implications. It illustrates the intricate interplay between divine sovereignty and human practicality. God's overarching plan for Paul's journey to Jerusalem, fraught with prophetic warnings and spiritual urgency, was nonetheless executed through the ordinary means of commercial shipping. This reminds believers that God is not confined to miraculous interventions but actively works within and through the mundane details of life, including travel logistics, trade routes, and personal schedules. Every step, even those dictated by commercial necessity, can be part of His larger, redemptive design, positioning His servants exactly where they need to be for His purposes. This verse encourages a perspective that sees God's hand in the everyday, recognizing His providence even in the seemingly unspiritual aspects of our lives.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - Man Plans, God Directs")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "Philippians 4:19 - God's Provision")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
This verse offers a powerful reminder that our spiritual journeys and divine callings are often interwoven with the practicalities and mundane details of daily life. Just as Paul's Spirit-led mission to Jerusalem involved a commercial ship's need to unload cargo, so too does God often work through our ordinary routines, jobs, and logistical necessities. We are called to cultivate an awareness of God's presence and providence in every aspect of our lives, not just in moments of overt spiritual activity. This means trusting that even when our path seems dictated by external circumstances—a job transfer, a family obligation, a travel delay—God can be sovereignly orchestrating these details to position us for His purposes, to bring us into contact with those He wants us to meet, or to teach us lessons we need to learn. It encourages us to embrace the "stops" and "detours" of life with faith, knowing that God can use every moment for His glory and our growth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically view the "mundane" or "logistical" aspects of my life? Do I see God's hand in them?**
* **Can I recall a time when a seemingly ordinary circumstance led to a significant spiritual encounter or opportunity?**
* **How might recognizing God's providence in everyday practicalities deepen my trust in Him for my larger life's calling?**
* **In what ways can I be more intentional about seeking God's purpose even in the seemingly insignificant details of my schedule or travel?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a seemingly mundane detail about a ship's cargo included in the inspired Word of God?**

Answer: The inclusion of such a detail, far from being mundane, serves several important purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the narrative, providing a realistic glimpse into the practicalities of first-century travel and trade. Luke, as an eyewitness, records these specifics to ground the spiritual journey in tangible reality. Secondly, and more profoundly, it illustrates a key theological principle: God's providence often works through ordinary means. While Paul's journey was divinely purposed, God used a commercial vessel's routine schedule to bring him to Tyre, where he would encounter disciples and receive further warnings (as detailed in [Acts 21:4-6](/acts/21-4-6 "Acts 21:4-6 - Paul's Stay in Tyre")). This demonstrates that God's sovereign plan is not limited to miraculous interventions but seamlessly integrates with the everyday activities and necessities of human life. It teaches us to see God's hand in all circumstances, not just the overtly spiritual ones.

**What is the significance of the phrase "left it on the left hand"?**

Answer: This phrase is a precise navigational detail. In ancient seafaring, "left it on the left hand" means they passed the island of Cyprus to their port (left) side. This indicates that their ship was sailing eastward, with Cyprus to their north, as they headed towards the Syrian coast. It confirms their geographical trajectory from Patara towards Tyre. While the Greek word for "left hand" (_euṓnymos_) literally means "well-named" or "good-omened" (reflecting pagan superstition about the left side being lucky), in this biblical context, it simply functions as a straightforward directional indicator, devoid of any superstitious meaning. It highlights Luke's careful attention to detail in documenting Paul's journey.

**What happened in Tyre after Paul and his companions landed there?**

Answer: Acts 21:3 only describes their arrival and the commercial reason for the stop. However, the subsequent verses ([Acts 21:4-6](/acts/21-4-6 "Acts 21:4-6 - Paul's Stay in Tyre")) reveal that Paul and his companions found disciples in Tyre and stayed with them for seven days. During this time, these disciples, "through the Spirit," urged Paul not to go on to Jerusalem, echoing previous warnings. Despite these spiritual admonitions, Paul remained resolute in his divine calling to proceed to Jerusalem. Their departure from Tyre was marked by a poignant scene of prayer on the shore, with the disciples, their wives, and children accompanying Paul to the ship, demonstrating the deep fellowship forged even in a brief, commercially necessitated stop.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:3, though a seemingly mundane logistical detail, points to the profound Christ-centered reality of God's sovereign orchestration of all things for His redemptive purposes. Just as Paul's journey to Jerusalem, a journey fraught with peril but essential for the gospel's advance, was guided by divine providence even through the practicalities of a commercial ship's itinerary, so too was the ultimate journey of Christ. Jesus' entire earthly life, from His birth in Bethlehem (a result of a census decree, [Luke 2:1-7](/luke/2-1-7 "Luke 2:1-7 - The Birth of Jesus")) to His final ascent to Jerusalem for the cross (a journey He "set His face to go," [Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), was meticulously orchestrated by God. Every "stop" and "unloading" in Christ's life, every seemingly ordinary event, was part of God's grand design for the redemption of humanity. Paul's journey, culminating in his suffering in Jerusalem, mirrors the journey of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who came "not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). Ultimately, the logistical details of Paul's voyage underscore that Christ is the sovereign Lord of all creation, controlling even the winds and waves ([Mark 4:39-41](/mark/4-39-41 "Mark 4:39-41 - Jesus Calms the Storm")) and orchestrating every human event to fulfill His eternal plan of salvation through His Son, Jesus, the true destination and burden-bearer of all humanity's sin ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

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 12:20

¶ And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's [country].

Acts 21:16

There went with us also [certain] of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

Acts 4:36

And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, [and] of the country of Cyprus,

Matthew 4:24

And his fame went throughout all Syria: and they brought unto him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils, and those which were lunatick, and those that had the palsy; and he healed them.

Acts 27:4

And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

Acts 15:23

And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Judges 10:6

¶ And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him.