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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Acts 21:1–7. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
"And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre." He came to Lycia, and having left Cyprus, he sailed down to Tyre. Possibly that ship in which they had come was making a stay there: wherefore they shifted to another, and not having found one going to Caesarea, but finding this for Phenice, they embarked in it and pursued their voyage, having left Cyprus also and Syria: but the expression, "having left it on the left hand," is not said simply in that meaning, but that they made speed not to get to Syria either.
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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 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, 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Why is such a seemingly mundane detail about a ship's cargo included in the inspired Word of God?
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). 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"?
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?
Acts 21:3 only describes their arrival and the commercial reason for the stop. However, the subsequent verses (Acts 21:4-6) 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) to His final ascent to Jerusalem for the cross (a journey He "set His face to go," Luke 9:51), 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). 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) 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).