Acts 21:7

KJV

And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} when we {G2249} had finished {G1274} our course {G4144} from {G575} Tyre {G5184}, we came {G2658} to {G1519} Ptolemais {G4424}, and {G2532} saluted {G782} the brethren {G80}, and abode {G3306} with {G3844} them {G846} one {G3391} day {G2250}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the voyage from Tzor was over, we arrived at Ptolemais. There we greeted the brothers and stayed with them overnight.

Berean Standard Bible

When we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we landed at Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them for a day.

American Standard Version

And when we had finished the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais; and we saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:7 succinctly records a pivotal moment in Paul's journey to Jerusalem, describing the completion of his sea voyage from Tyre, his arrival at the significant port city of Ptolemais, and the brief but meaningful fellowship he and his companions shared with the local Christian community there before continuing their arduous mission. This verse, though seemingly a simple travel log, underscores the practicalities of early apostolic travel, the vital network of Christian fellowship, and Paul's unwavering progression towards his divinely appointed destination.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of the detailed travelogue that constitutes the latter portion of the book of Acts, specifically following Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders in [Miletus](/acts/20-17-38 "Acts 20:17-38 - Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders") and his subsequent journey along the coast. Immediately preceding Acts 21:7, Paul and his company had spent seven days in [Tyre](/acts/21-3-6 "Acts 21:3-6 - Paul in Tyre"), where disciples, "through the Spirit," urged him not to go to Jerusalem, highlighting the divine warnings Paul was receiving about the impending suffering that awaited him there (cf. [Acts 20:23](/acts/20-23 "Acts 20:23 - The Holy Spirit's Warning to Paul")). The departure from Tyre and arrival in Ptolemais marks the next leg of this determined, Spirit-led, yet perilous, journey towards Jerusalem, setting the stage for subsequent encounters and events detailed in the following verses, such as the visit to [Caesarea](/acts/21-8-14 "Acts 21:8-14 - Paul in Caesarea with Philip").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Ptolemais, known today as Acre, was a significant ancient port city located on the Phoenician coast, north of Caesarea and south of Tyre. Its strategic location made it a crucial hub for maritime trade and travel in the Roman Empire. As a major port, it would have been a natural stopping point for ships traveling along the eastern Mediterranean seaboard. The presence of "brethren" (Christian believers) in Ptolemais, like in Tyre and other cities Paul visited, testifies to the rapid expansion of the early Christian movement beyond its Jewish origins and into the broader Greco-Roman world. This network of scattered but connected Christian communities provided essential support, lodging, and fellowship for traveling apostles and missionaries, reflecting the practical outworking of Christian unity and hospitality in the 1st century.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's journey through these coastal cities contributes to several overarching themes in Acts. Firstly, the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Hospitality** is prominently displayed, as Paul consistently seeks out and is welcomed by local believers, underscoring the vital communal aspect of the early church (cf. [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality") and [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do Not Neglect Hospitality")). Secondly, the verse reinforces the theme of **Purposeful Travel and Divine Leading**. Despite the dangers and warnings, Paul's unwavering commitment to reach Jerusalem, driven by a spiritual compulsion and a desire to deliver the collection for the poor saints (cf. [Romans 15:25-26](/romans/15-25-26 "Romans 15:25-26 - Paul's Purposeful Journey to Jerusalem")), highlights his obedience to God's call, even when it led to hardship. Finally, the brief "one day" stay in Ptolemais illustrates the **Dynamic Nature of Apostolic Ministry**, where even short encounters could be deeply meaningful and refreshing within the context of a demanding missionary journey.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **finished (Greek, _dianýō'_):** From G1274, meaning "to accomplish thoroughly." This word emphasizes the completion of a specific segment of their journey. It's not merely a casual stop but the successful conclusion of a particular leg of their sea voyage, implying a sense of purpose and fulfillment for that stage.
* **came (Greek, _katantáō'_):** From G2658, meaning "to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)." This term denotes the act of reaching a specific destination, highlighting the intentionality of their travel. It signifies the successful culmination of their navigation from Tyre to Ptolemais, marking a new geographical and relational point in their itinerary.
* **saluted (Greek, _aspázomai'_):** From G782, meaning "to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome." This word goes beyond a mere greeting; it conveys a warm, affectionate welcome, indicative of the strong bonds of fellowship among early Christians. It suggests a mutual recognition and embrace, demonstrating the immediate connection Paul and his companions felt with the believers in Ptolemais.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when we had finished [our] course from Tyre":** This clause signifies the completion of the sea journey from Tyre, where Paul had spent seven days with disciples. The term "course" (πλόος, _ploos_) literally refers to a sailing or voyage, indicating the successful navigation of that particular leg of their itinerary. It marks a transition point from one port city to the next.
* **"we came to Ptolemais":** This specifies their destination, Ptolemais (modern Acre), a significant port city on the Phoenician coast. Their arrival here underscores the strategic importance of such coastal towns as logistical hubs for travel and as locations where Christian communities had already been established.
* **"and saluted the brethren":** This highlights the immediate priority upon arrival: connecting with fellow believers. The act of "saluting" (ἀσπάζομαι, _aspázomai_) implies a warm, affectionate greeting and welcome, demonstrating the strong bonds of Christian fellowship that transcended geographical distances in the early church. It signifies a mutual recognition and shared identity in Christ.
* **"and abode with them one day":** This detail indicates the brevity of their stay in Ptolemais. Despite the short duration, the decision to spend even a single day with the local believers emphasizes the value placed on fellowship, rest, and mutual encouragement within the demanding context of apostolic travel. It suggests a deliberate pause for spiritual refreshment and communal solidarity.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Acts 21:7 is **Itinerary Reporting**. Luke, as the author, meticulously details the geographical movements and temporal durations of Paul's journey, providing a precise and factual account of his travels. This serves to authenticate the narrative, giving it a historical and eyewitness feel. Furthermore, there is an element of **Narrative Progression**, as each stop, no matter how brief, moves the story inexorably towards Paul's ultimate destination of Jerusalem and the significant events that await him there. The brevity of the "one day" stay could also be seen as a subtle **Understatement** of the significance of such brief encounters, which, though short, were vital for Paul's spiritual and physical sustenance on his arduous mission.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:7, though brief, powerfully illustrates the profound theological truth of Christian unity and the practical outworking of the body of Christ. The immediate seeking out and welcoming of "the brethren" in Ptolemais underscores that believers, regardless of their geographical location, are bound together by a common faith in Christ. This shared identity transcends cultural and social barriers, fostering a spirit of mutual care, hospitality, and encouragement. Paul's journey was not a solitary endeavor but was sustained by this vibrant network of faith, demonstrating that the mission of God is inherently communal and relies on the active participation and support of the entire church. The short stay also highlights the importance of intentional, even if brief, fellowship for spiritual refreshment and solidarity in the midst of demanding ministry.

* [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Contribute to the needs of the saints; practice hospitality.")
* [Hebrews 13:2](/hebrews/13-2 "Hebrews 13:2 - Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.")
* [1 Peter 4:9](/1_peter/4-9 "1 Peter 4:9 - Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:7, while a simple logistical note, offers a profound reminder of the enduring importance of Christian community and hospitality in our own lives. In a world that often prioritizes individualism and self-sufficiency, this verse calls us back to the foundational truth that we are part of a global family of faith. Just as Paul found refreshment and solidarity with the brethren in Ptolemais, we too are called to actively seek out, welcome, and support fellow believers, whether in our local church, through missions, or in unexpected encounters. Even a brief connection, a shared meal, or a moment of prayer can be a powerful source of encouragement and strength for those on their spiritual journey. This verse challenges us to consider how we might extend hospitality, both physically and spiritually, and to value the brief, yet significant, moments of fellowship that God provides along our path of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I actively seek out and participate in Christian fellowship in my daily life?**
* **In what ways can I extend hospitality, even in small or brief gestures, to fellow believers or strangers?**
* **How does the concept of a global "body of Christ" impact my understanding of my own faith journey?**
* **What might "abiding for one day" with fellow believers look like in my busy schedule, and what spiritual benefits might it offer?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of Ptolemais in Paul's journey?**

Answer: Ptolemais (modern Acre) was a strategically important port city on the Phoenician coast, serving as a natural stopping point for ships traveling along the eastern Mediterranean. For Paul, it represented the next logical step in his sea voyage from Tyre towards Jerusalem. Its significance lies not only in its geographical position but also in the presence of a Christian community there, highlighting the widespread establishment of the early church and providing Paul with a place of immediate fellowship and rest before continuing his journey. It was a vital link in the network of early Christian communities that supported apostolic travel.

**What does "saluted the brethren" imply about early Christian community?**

Answer: The phrase "saluted the brethren" (ἀσπάζομαι τοὺς ἀδελφούς, _aspázomai tous adelphous_) implies a deep and immediate bond of fellowship and mutual recognition among early Christians. It was more than a casual greeting; it signified a warm welcome, an embrace, and an acknowledgment of shared faith and identity in Christ. This practice underscores the strong sense of family and unity that characterized the nascent church, where believers, even those previously unknown to each other, provided hospitality, support, and spiritual refreshment to traveling apostles and missionaries. It demonstrates the practical outworking of love and solidarity within the body of Christ (cf. [Romans 16:16](/romans/16-16 "Romans 16:16 - Greet one another with a holy kiss.")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:7, though a simple narrative detail, subtly points to Christ in its portrayal of purposeful journey, communal welcome, and the enduring nature of God's mission. Paul's determined progression towards Jerusalem, despite warnings of suffering, mirrors the resolute journey of Christ Himself, who "set His face to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Luke 9:51 - Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), knowing the cross awaited Him there. Just as Paul was sustained by the fellowship of "the brethren," Christ established a community, His Church, to be His body on earth, extending His welcome and continuing His mission. The hospitality shown by the believers in Ptolemais reflects the ultimate hospitality of God in Christ, who welcomes sinners into His family through His atoning sacrifice (cf. [Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). Every act of Christian fellowship and every step taken in obedience to God's call, as exemplified by Paul, is a participation in Christ's ongoing work of building His kingdom and gathering His people, until the day He returns to gather all His redeemed into His eternal dwelling (cf. [John 14:2-3](/john/14-2-3 "John 14:2-3 - Jesus Promises to Return")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Hebrews 13:24

Salute all them that have the rule over you, and all the saints. They of Italy salute you.

1 Samuel 13:10

And it came to pass, that as soon as he had made an end of offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came; and Saul went out to meet him, that he might salute him.

Matthew 5:47

And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more [than others]? do not even the publicans so?

Acts 25:13

¶ And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came unto Caesarea to salute Festus.

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 21:10

And as we tarried [there] many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Acts 21:19

And when he had saluted them, he declared particularly what things God had wrought among the Gentiles by his ministry.