Acts 21:5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And {G1161} when {G3753} we {G2248} had {G1096} accomplished {G1822} those days {G2250}, we departed {G1831} and went our way {G4198}; and they all {G3956} brought {G4311} us {G2248} on our way {G4311}, with {G4862} wives {G1135} and {G2532} children {G5043}, till {G2193} we were out of {G1854} the city {G4172}: and {G2532} we kneeled down {G5087}{G1119} on {G1909} the shore {G123}, and prayed {G4336}.

but when the week was over, we left to continue our journey. All of them, with their wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the town. Kneeling on the beach and praying,

But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us.

And when it came to pass that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey; and they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way till we were out of the city: and kneeling down on the beach, we prayed, and bade each other farewell;

Acts 21:5 captures a tender and significant moment in the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey as he departs from Tyre. After spending seven days with disciples who had warned him about dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem (Acts 21:4), this verse describes the heartfelt farewell and a powerful act of communal prayer.

Context

This verse is part of the narrative detailing Paul's journey back to Jerusalem at the conclusion of his third missionary tour. He is making his way to Jerusalem, despite repeated prophetic warnings from various disciples along the way that imprisonment and suffering await him there. In Tyre, he had been urged by the Spirit-led disciples not to proceed to Jerusalem. Despite these solemn warnings, Paul's resolute determination to fulfill his mission is evident. The scene described here highlights the strong bond of fellowship Paul shared with the believers in Tyre, who accompanied him to the very edge of the city before his departure.

Key Themes

  • Community and Fellowship: The fact that "they all brought us on our way, with wives and children" underscores the deep affection and solidarity within the early Christian community. It wasn't just the men, but entire families, demonstrating a unified support system for Paul and his companions. This communal send-off highlights the importance of fellowship and mutual encouragement in the early church.
  • The Power of Prayer: The act of kneeling down on the shore to pray before departure is highly significant. It shows a profound reliance on God, especially in the face of uncertainty and impending hardship. This public, communal prayer was likely a petition for divine guidance, protection, and strength for Paul's challenging journey ahead. It emphasizes prayer as an essential spiritual discipline and a source of strength for believers.
  • Commitment to Mission: Despite the emotional farewells and the prophetic warnings, Paul remains steadfast in his commitment to go to Jerusalem. This scene, punctuated by prayer, reaffirms his dedication to the call of God, even when it leads to suffering, a theme explored in other parts of his journey, such as his farewell to the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:36-38).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "kneeled down" (Greek: gonatizō) suggests a posture of humility, reverence, and earnest supplication. It was a common posture for intense and sincere prayer in the ancient world, signifying deep submission to God's will. The collective nature of "and they all... prayed" emphasizes that this was not just Paul's prayer, but a unified appeal by the entire group, highlighting the communal aspect of their faith.

Practical Application

Acts 21:5 offers several timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Value Community Support: Recognize and cherish the support of your spiritual family. Like Paul, we often need the encouragement and presence of others as we navigate life's challenges and transitions.
  • Prioritize Prayer: Make prayer a central part of significant decisions and difficult transitions. Whether personal or communal, kneeling before God in prayer acknowledges His sovereignty and provides peace and direction.
  • Persevere in Your Calling: Paul's unwavering commitment reminds us to stay true to God's calling on our lives, even when the path is difficult or fraught with warnings. Trust in God's plan, even when it involves hardship.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 20:36

    ¶ And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and prayed with them all.

  • Acts 9:40

    But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down, and prayed; and turning [him] to the body said, Tabitha, arise. And she opened her eyes: and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

  • Acts 20:38

    Sorrowing most of all for the words which he spake, that they should see his face no more. And they accompanied him unto the ship.

  • Psalms 95:6

    O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

  • 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.

  • Deuteronomy 29:11

    Your little ones, your wives, and thy stranger that [is] in thy camp, from the hewer of thy wood unto the drawer of thy water:

  • Deuteronomy 29:12

    That thou shouldest enter into covenant with the LORD thy God, and into his oath, which the LORD thy God maketh with thee this day:

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back