Acts 21:3

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Commentary on Acts 21:3 (KJV)

Acts 21:3 describes a specific leg of the Apostle Paul's final journey to Jerusalem, highlighting the practicalities of ancient sea travel and the strategic points of their voyage. This verse is part of the narrative detailing Paul's return from his third missionary journey, a trip marked by urgency and a strong sense of divine calling towards Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context

This verse picks up after Paul and his companions had sailed from Patara. The phrase "when we had discovered Cyprus" simply means they sighted the island of Cyprus. Paul had a significant history with Cyprus, having visited it earlier on his first missionary journey with Barnabas. By "left it on the left hand," it indicates they passed Cyprus to the north, sailing eastward towards the mainland. Their destination was Syria, a large Roman province, and specifically the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre.

Tyre was a renowned and prosperous port city with a rich history dating back millennia, often mentioned in Old Testament prophecies (e.g., Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26). It was a major hub for maritime trade in the Mediterranean. The reason for their stop in Tyre was purely logistical: "for there the ship was to unlade her burden." This reveals that Paul's missionary travels often coincided with regular commercial shipping routes, demonstrating how God's purposes can intersect with the ordinary course of human affairs.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Guidance and Practical Logistics: While Paul's journey to Jerusalem was divinely ordained and driven by a strong conviction to deliver a collection for the poor saints there, the verse emphasizes the very practical aspects of travel. God often works through ordinary means and human necessities.
  • The Nature of Ancient Travel: The passage offers a glimpse into the realities of sea voyages in the first century – relying on prevailing winds, sighting land for navigation, and stopping at major ports for trade.
  • Strategic Stops: Although this stop was for commercial reasons, Tyre became a place where Paul found disciples and spent time, as detailed in the following verses (Acts 21:4-6), highlighting how even practical necessities can open doors for ministry and fellowship.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "discovered Cyprus" simply means "sighted" or "came into view of" Cyprus. There isn't a complex Greek term here, but it reflects the navigation methods of the time where landmasses served as crucial reference points for sailors. The term "unlade her burden" clearly refers to the ship offloading its cargo, reinforcing Tyre's role as a commercial port.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us that even in our divinely-inspired pursuits, practical considerations are often part of the journey. God uses ordinary circumstances, like a ship's need to unload cargo, to position us where He wants us to be. It encourages us to see divine providence not just in miraculous interventions but also in the mundane details of daily life and travel. For modern believers, it underscores that our spiritual mission can and should integrate with the practicalities of our lives, allowing God to work through every aspect.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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