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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.
"For there the ship was to unlade her burden. And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem." They too prophesy of the afflictions. It is so ordered that they should be spoken by them also, that none might imagine that Paul said those things without cause, and only by way of boasting. "We landed at Tyre." Then they tarry with the brethren seven days. Now that they were come near to Jerusalem, they no longer run. "Who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem." Observe how, when the Spirit does not forbid, he complies. "By the Spirit," that is, they knowing "by the Spirit" what would be the consequences, said to him: for of course it does not mean that the exhortation they made was by the Spirit. For they did not simply foretell to him the dangers through the Spirit, but added of themselves that it behooved him not to go up - sparing him.
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Summary
Acts 21:4 describes a pivotal moment in Paul's journey to Jerusalem, where he and his companions, after finding disciples in Tyre, tarried for seven days. During this time, these Spirit-filled believers warned Paul, through divine inspiration, not to continue his journey to Jerusalem. This verse introduces a significant tension between Paul's resolute conviction to go to Jerusalem and clear prophetic warnings from the Holy Spirit, setting the stage for the trials and tribulations he would face.
Context
Literary Context
Acts 21:4 is situated within the final leg of Paul's third missionary journey, as chronicled in the book of Acts. Chapters 20 and 21 detail Paul's determined progression towards Jerusalem, despite repeated warnings about the suffering that awaits him. In Acts 20:22-23, Paul himself declares that he is "bound in the spirit" to go to Jerusalem, anticipating "bonds and afflictions." The stop in Tyre, a significant port city, is one of several brief pauses on this journey (Acts 21:1-3), each marked by encounters with local believers. The warning from the disciples in Tyre directly precedes similar, even more explicit, prophetic warnings from Agabus in Acts 21:10-11, intensifying the narrative tension surrounding Paul's unwavering resolve.
Historical & Cultural Context
Tyre was an ancient Phoenician city, renowned for its maritime trade and strategic location on the Mediterranean coast. As a bustling commercial hub, it would have been a natural place for the early Christian message to spread, facilitated by merchants and travelers. The presence of "disciples" in Tyre underscores the rapid expansion of the early church beyond its Jewish origins and into Gentile territories. The practice of "tarrying seven days" was common in ancient travel, often dictated by ship schedules or the desire for extended fellowship. In the early church, such gatherings were vital for mutual encouragement, teaching, and the exercise of spiritual gifts, including prophecy. The concept of divine guidance "through the Spirit" was central to the life of the early church, echoing Old Testament prophetic traditions and demonstrating the Holy Spirit's active role in guiding believers.
Key Themes
This verse highlights several crucial themes. Firstly, it emphasizes Divine Guidance and Prophetic Warning. The message to Paul, conveyed "through the Spirit," demonstrates the Holy Spirit's active communication within the early church, providing foresight and direction. This raises important questions about discerning God's will, especially when warnings of danger are given. Secondly, the passage underscores the importance of Christian Fellowship and Hospitality. Paul's seven-day stay with the disciples in Tyre illustrates the strong communal bonds among early believers, who offered support, shelter, and spiritual counsel to one another. This fellowship was a hallmark of the burgeoning Christian movement, as seen throughout the book of Acts. Lastly, the verse subtly introduces the theme of Obedience and Suffering, foreshadowing the trials Paul would endure in Jerusalem, a theme he himself anticipates in Acts 20:23.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Meaning "to stay over, i.e. remain (figuratively, persevere)." This word emphasizes the deliberate and extended nature of Paul's stay in Tyre, suggesting a period of intentional fellowship and rest, rather than a mere fleeting stop. It highlights the depth of connection Paul shared with these newly found disciples.
A primary preposition denoting "the channel of an act." In this context, it unequivocally points to the Holy Spirit as the direct medium or source through which the disciples received and delivered their message to Paul. It signifies divine agency, not merely human opinion or foresight.
Referring to "a current of air, i.e. breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit... or (divine) God, Christ's spirit, the Holy Spirit." Here, it specifically denotes the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, who empowers and guides believers, confirming the divine origin of the warning given to Paul.
Combining G3361 ("not," a particle of qualified negation) and G305 ("to go up"). This phrase represents a direct, divinely inspired prohibition or strong warning. The negative particle mḗ implies a subjective negation, often used in prohibitions or expressions of doubt, suggesting that the Spirit's message was a clear directive against Paul's intended action.
Verse Breakdown
"And finding disciples"
This phrase immediately establishes Paul's connection with the existing Christian community in Tyre. It implies that Paul and his companions actively sought out fellow believers, a common practice for apostles and missionaries, highlighting the burgeoning network of early churches.
"we tarried there seven days"
This detail underscores the duration of their stay, suggesting a period of significant fellowship, teaching, and mutual encouragement. The seven-day period might also allude to a full week, allowing for a Sabbath gathering, further emphasizing the depth of their interaction.
"who said to Paul through the Spirit"
This is the crucial clause, identifying the source and nature of the message. The disciples were not speaking their own minds but were conduits for the Holy Spirit. This indicates the active presence of prophetic gifts within the early church, where God communicated His will and warnings directly to His servants.
"that he should not go up to Jerusalem"
This is the content of the Spirit's message, a clear and direct warning or prohibition against Paul's intended journey. The phrasing suggests a divine directive, raising the central tension of the narrative: why would Paul proceed despite such a clear warning from the Spirit?
Literary Devices
The verse employs Foreshadowing, subtly hinting at the impending difficulties Paul will face in Jerusalem, which are explicitly detailed in subsequent chapters. The Spirit's warning serves as a narrative device to build suspense and underscore the gravity of Paul's decision. Divine Communication is a central element, as the Holy Spirit directly intervenes in the narrative through the disciples, emphasizing God's active involvement in guiding His people. This prophetic warning also creates Narrative Tension between Paul's unwavering resolve (expressed earlier in Acts 20:22-23) and the Spirit's seemingly contradictory directive, prompting the reader to ponder the nature of divine will and human obedience.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 21:4 highlights the complex nature of divine guidance, particularly when it involves warnings of suffering. The Holy Spirit, who had previously compelled Paul to go to Jerusalem (Acts 20:22), now warns him not to go, through the mouths of other Spirit-filled believers. This apparent contradiction is resolved not by viewing the Spirit as inconsistent, but by understanding that God often warns His servants of the dangers on a divinely appointed path, rather than from the path itself. Paul's subsequent actions reveal his interpretation: the warnings were not prohibitions to disobey God's call, but rather preparations for the trials he was destined to endure for the sake of the Gospel. This demonstrates a mature understanding of obedience, where God's will may lead through suffering, and prophetic warnings serve to strengthen, not deter, the faithful.
Reflection and Application
Acts 21:4 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers navigating God's will and responding to divine warnings. It challenges us to consider that God's guidance is not always a clear, unimpeded path, but may include forewarnings of hardship. We are called to discern the nature of such warnings: are they prohibitions, or are they preparations? Paul's example teaches us that unwavering commitment to a perceived divine call, even in the face of significant peril, can be an act of profound faith. This passage also underscores the vital role of the believing community in our spiritual journeys. The disciples in Tyre, empowered by the Spirit, provided crucial insight, reminding us that God often speaks through the collective wisdom and prophetic gifts present within the church. We must cultivate a listening ear to the Spirit's voice, whether it comes through personal conviction, the Scriptures, or the counsel of trusted spiritual mentors, always seeking to align our will with God's ultimate purpose, even when that path leads through difficulty.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Did Paul disobey the Holy Spirit by going to Jerusalem?
No, Paul did not disobey the Holy Spirit. The narrative in Acts suggests that the Holy Spirit was both compelling Paul to go to Jerusalem (as stated by Paul himself in Acts 20:22) and warning him of the dangers he would face there. The warnings from the disciples in Tyre (Acts 21:4) and later from Agabus in Acts 21:10-11 were not absolute prohibitions, but rather divine preparations, informing Paul of the suffering that awaited him. Paul understood these as confirmations of his divinely appointed mission, which included suffering for Christ's sake, rather than a command to turn back. His unwavering resolve, despite tears and pleas from others, demonstrated his deep conviction that he was fulfilling God's will, even if it meant imprisonment and affliction (Acts 20:23-24).
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 21:4, with its depiction of Paul's Spirit-led journey towards suffering in Jerusalem, powerfully foreshadows the path of Christ Himself. Just as the Holy Spirit warned Paul of impending bonds and afflictions, so too did Jesus repeatedly foretell His own suffering, death, and resurrection to His disciples (e.g., Matthew 16:21, Mark 8:31). Paul's unwavering resolve to fulfill his mission, even in the face of prophetic warnings about suffering, mirrors Christ's own determination to go to Jerusalem, "setting His face" towards the cross (Luke 9:51). Both Paul and Jesus demonstrate that true obedience to God's will may involve embracing suffering as an integral part of the divine plan, leading to greater glory. Ultimately, Paul's journey to Jerusalem, culminating in his imprisonment and witness before kings, serves as a poignant echo of Christ's own journey to Jerusalem, where He became the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, fulfilling the ultimate purpose of God through His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection, thereby opening the way for all who believe to experience new life in Him (Romans 5:8).