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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.
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Summary
Acts 21:6 marks a poignant moment of departure following an emotional farewell between Paul and his companions and the devoted believers who had accompanied them to the ship. This verse signifies the final physical act of separation after a deeply moving time of fellowship and prophetic warnings, as Paul's group sets sail, and the local disciples return to their homes, underscoring both the strong bonds of Christian community and the relentless forward movement of the Gospel mission.
Context
Literary Context
This verse immediately follows one of the most tender and emotionally charged farewells in the New Testament, detailed in Acts 20:17-38. Paul had summoned the elders of the church in Ephesus to Miletus, where he delivered a powerful and prophetic discourse, knowing he was bound for Jerusalem and facing potential imprisonment and suffering, as indicated by the Holy Spirit (Acts 20:22-23). The parting was filled with tears, embraces, and sorrow, as the elders believed they would not see his face again (Acts 20:37-38). Furthermore, prior to this, in Tyre, disciples had warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem "through the Spirit" (Acts 21:4), and later, the prophet Agabus would dramatically reinforce these warnings (Acts 21:10-14). Acts 21:6, therefore, is not a casual departure but the culmination of a deeply significant and sorrowful goodbye, signaling Paul's unwavering resolve to continue his divinely appointed, albeit perilous, journey.
Historical & Cultural Context
Sea travel was a common and often perilous mode of transportation in the ancient Mediterranean world, essential for missionary journeys like Paul's. Port cities served as crucial hubs for commerce and communication, and it was customary for friends and well-wishers to accompany travelers to the ship, often sharing a final meal or prayer before departure. The act of "taking leave" (ἀσπάζομαι, aspázomai) would involve embraces and expressions of affection, reflecting the strong communal bonds prevalent in the early Christian church. Given the uncertainty of travel and the high mortality rates, such partings could indeed be permanent, imbuing them with profound emotional weight. The believers accompanying Paul to the ship, and then returning to their homes, illustrates the local commitment and rootedness of the Christian communities that Paul had established, even as he moved on to new frontiers.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts and Paul's ministry. Firstly, it highlights the profound fellowship and emotional bonds within the early Christian community, demonstrating the deep love and respect shared between Paul and the believers, which made such partings so difficult. Secondly, it underscores Paul's unwavering resolve and obedience to his divine calling, despite the emotional toll of goodbyes and repeated warnings about the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem. His determination to fulfill his mission, even at personal risk, is a consistent motif throughout his journeys, as seen in his declaration that he considers his life "worth nothing" if he can complete his race (Acts 20:24). Finally, Acts 21:6 serves as a small but significant step in the ongoing missionary journey of the early church, illustrating the continuous nature of spreading the Good News. Even after a significant ministry period and a tearful farewell, the work of the Kingdom presses forward, requiring both steadfastness from the missionaries and continued faithfulness from the local communities left behind.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (G782) means "to enfold in the arms, i.e. (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome." In this context, it signifies a formal and affectionate farewell, an embrace or a final greeting. It is not a casual parting but one imbued with deep emotion and significance, reflecting the strong bonds of fellowship and the sorrow of separation.
This verb (G1910) means "to walk upon, i.e. mount, ascend, embark, arrive." When used with "ship" (ploîon, G4143), it specifically denotes the action of boarding or embarking on a vessel. It conveys the active step of beginning the next leg of the journey, a physical movement into the unknown.
This verb (G5290) means "to turn under (behind), i.e. to return (literally or figuratively)." It describes the action of the believers who had accompanied Paul to the ship, indicating their movement back to their homes and communities after the farewell. It highlights the separation of paths and the continuation of their respective ministries and lives.
Verse Breakdown
"And when we had taken our leave one of another"
This clause describes the culmination of the emotional farewell. The plural "we" includes Paul and his immediate traveling companions, while "one of another" emphasizes the mutual nature of the parting, highlighting the reciprocal expressions of love, sorrow, and blessing between the departing missionaries and the local believers. This was a deliberate and deeply felt separation.
"we took ship;"
This signifies the physical act of boarding the vessel. "We" again refers to Paul and his group, indicating their active step in continuing their journey. The phrase marks the decisive moment of departure, moving from the emotional shore to the practical means of travel, symbolizing the onward movement of the mission.
"and they returned home again."
This final clause describes the action of the believers who had accompanied them. "They" refers to the local disciples and elders who had come to see Paul off. Their return "home again" emphasizes their rootedness in their own communities and ministries, completing the separation and underscoring that while Paul's journey continued, their work in their respective localities also persisted.
Literary Devices
The verse employs Juxtaposition by contrasting the actions of Paul's group ("we took ship") with the actions of the local believers ("they returned home again"). This highlights the divergence of paths and the reality of separation inherent in missionary life. There is an element of Pathos conveyed through the simplicity of the description, which belies the deep emotional weight of the farewell that precedes it in the narrative. The verse functions as a Narrative Transition, marking the definitive end of one segment of the journey and the beginning of the next, propelling the story forward. Finally, the concise nature of the statement, particularly after the extended farewell in the previous chapter, could be seen as a form of Understatement, allowing the reader to infer the lingering emotional resonance without explicit elaboration.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Acts 21:6 powerfully illustrates the bittersweet reality of Christian fellowship and mission. It underscores that while the bonds of faith create deep, familial love among believers, the nature of God's redemptive plan often requires separation and difficult goodbyes for the sake of the Gospel's advance. Paul's unwavering commitment to his divinely appointed journey, even in the face of emotional pain and prophetic warnings, serves as a profound example of discipleship that prioritizes God's will above personal comfort or attachment. This verse reminds us that Christian life is a dynamic journey, marked by both profound communal connection and necessary transitions, all undergirded by a steadfast faith in God's leading. The temporary nature of these partings on earth points to a greater, eternal reunion in Christ.
Reflection and Application
Acts 21:6, though brief, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It calls us to cherish the deep, authentic relationships forged within the body of Christ, recognizing that these bonds are a precious gift. Yet, it also challenges us to embrace the reality that God's mission often involves transitions, goodbyes, and stepping into the unknown, much like Paul's journey. We are encouraged to cultivate a spirit of unwavering obedience to God's call, even when it leads us away from comfort or familiar relationships, trusting that His purposes are greater. The verse also reminds us that while some are called to go, others are called to stay and faithfully continue their work in their local contexts, each playing a vital role in the expansion of God's Kingdom. Our partings, whether temporary or long-term, are always held within the larger narrative of God's sovereign plan.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why was Paul's farewell in this context so emotional and significant?
The farewell described in the preceding verses and culminating in Acts 21:6 was deeply emotional primarily because Paul had warned the Ephesian elders that they would likely "see my face no more" (Acts 20:25). This was not a casual parting but one imbued with the weight of finality, compounded by the Holy Spirit's repeated warnings about the suffering and imprisonment awaiting Paul in Jerusalem (Acts 20:22-23 and Acts 21:4). The strong bonds of love and fellowship that had developed between Paul and these leaders, forged through shared ministry and hardship, made the separation particularly poignant.
What does "they returned home again" imply about the believers who saw Paul off?
The phrase "they returned home again" (KJV) or "they went back to their homes" (NIV) implies that these were local believers, likely including the Ephesian elders and other disciples from Tyre, who had accompanied Paul's group to the ship out of love and respect. Their return signifies the continuation of their own lives, ministries, and responsibilities within their respective communities. It highlights the decentralized nature of the early church, where local congregations thrived and continued their work even as apostles like Paul moved on, demonstrating their commitment to their own spheres of influence and the ongoing work of the Gospel in their specific locales.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Acts 21:6, with its depiction of a sorrowful yet resolute departure, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the life and mission of Jesus Himself. Just as Paul embraced separation for the sake of the Gospel's advance, Christ willingly embarked on His ultimate journey to the cross, a "departure" from the Father's immediate presence to accomplish the redemption of humanity. His farewell discourse to His disciples, particularly in John 13-17, resonates with the emotional weight of Paul's parting, as Jesus prepared His followers for His physical absence while promising the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Jesus' ascension into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) was a "taking leave" that marked the beginning of His intercessory ministry at the Father's right hand, and the empowering of His disciples to carry on His mission. The temporary separation experienced by Paul and the believers foreshadows the believer's present separation from the physical presence of Christ, a separation that is purposeful for the spread of the Kingdom. Yet, just as the believers returned home with a renewed call to local ministry, so too are we called to live faithfully in Christ's absence, awaiting His glorious return. Ultimately, every Christian "goodbye" is temporary, pointing to the ultimate, eternal reunion with our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has gone to prepare a place for us (John 14:1-3), ensuring that all who are in Him will never truly be separated from His love.