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Acts 21

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

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: 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.

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 when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

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

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

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

And when he was come unto us, he took Paul's girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.

And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him not to go up to Jerusalem.

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.

And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge.

And when we were come to Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly.

And the day following Paul went in with us unto James; and all the elders were present.

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

And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said unto him, Thou seest, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are which believe; and they are all zealous of the law:

And they are informed of thee, that thou teachest all the Jews which are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, neither to walk after the customs.

What is it therefore? the multitude must needs come together: for they will hear that thou art come.

Do therefore this that we say to thee: We have four men which have a vow on them;

Them take, and purify thyself with them, and be at charges with them, that they may shave their heads: and all may know that those things, whereof they were informed concerning thee, are nothing; but that thou thyself also walkest orderly, and keepest the law.

As touching the Gentiles which believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, save only that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication.

Then Paul took the men, and the next day purifying himself with them entered into the temple, to signify the accomplishment of the days of purifcation, until that an offering should be offered for every one of them.

And when the seven days were almost ended, the Jews which were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

Crying out, Men of Israel, help: This is the man, that teacheth all men every where against the people, and the law, and this place: and further brought Greeks also into the temple, and hath polluted this holy place.

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

And all the city was moved, and the people ran together: and they took Paul, and drew him out of the temple: and forthwith the doors were shut.

And as they went about to kill him, tidings came unto the chief captain of the band, that all Jerusalem was in an uproar.

Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down unto them: and when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they left beating of Paul.

Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains; and demanded who he was, and what he had done.

And some cried one thing, some another, among the multitude: and when he could not know the certainty for the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

And when he came upon the stairs, so it was, that he was borne of the soldiers for the violence of the people.

For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, Away with him.

And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said unto the chief captain, May I speak unto thee? Who said, Canst thou speak Greek?

Art not thou that Egyptian, which before these days madest an uproar, and leddest out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?

But Paul said, I am a man which am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.

And when he had given him licence, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand unto the people. And when there was made a great silence, he spake unto them in the Hebrew tongue, saying,

What does Acts 21:3 mean?

Explanation

Acts 21:3 describes a segment of the Apostle Paul's journey as a missionary of the early Christian church.

This particular verse references his travel by sea where Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean, was passed on the left, indicating a route that would take them north of the island.

From there, Paul and his companions continued on to Syria, ultimately docking at the city of Tyre.

Tyre was a port city and a significant commercial hub in ancient times.

The phrase "for there the ship was to unlade her burden" signifies that Tyre was the destination where the ship's cargo was to be unloaded, which may infer why the ship with Paul aboard stopped there.

The verse captures a transitional moment in Paul's journey and indicates the movement of early Christian missionaries, as well as the practicalities of travel in the ancient world, which depended on trade routes and shipping schedules.

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Historical Context

During the first century CE, the Mediterranean basin was part of the Roman Empire, which had an extensive network of trade routes that facilitated the movement of goods and people.

Cyprus was a well-known island and Tyre was an influential Phoenician city known for its trade and industry, especially in purple dye and glass.

By the time the Book of Acts was written, Paul had established himself as one of the key figures in spreading Christianity beyond the Jewish communities.

Acts 21 is part of the narrative of Paul's third missionary journey, and the context indicates that Paul was returning to Jerusalem, perhaps after visiting the church in Ephesus, as recounted in the previous chapters.

Theological Insights

Theologically, Acts 21:3 may be viewed as part of Luke's account of the spread of Christianity into the Gentile world. Paul's travels demonstrate the fulfillment of Christ's commission to take the gospel to all nations, which Luke emphasizes throughout the Acts narrative.

Some theologians may also point to the sovereignty of God in missionary work. Although Paul is traveling for a very practical reason, to deliver aid to the church in Jerusalem, the stops he makes along the way provide opportunities for ministry and witness.

Practical Applications

A practical application of Acts 21:3 might be an encouragement to remain open to God's guidance in daily activities and to look for opportunities to serve others, even when engaged in routine or seemingly mundane tasks, such as travel or work.

For modern believers, this could translate into using one's work environment, school, or social situations as venues for positive influence and sharing one's faith, as Paul did through his travels.

Cross-References

Acts 27:4 - "And when we had launched from thence, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary."
Acts 20:22 - "And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there."
Isaiah 23:1-18 - This chapter talks about the burden of Tyre, which may provide a contrast to Luke's account of Paul's journey to Tyre in Acts.

Language Study

In the original Greek, the key words are:

"Cyprus" (Κύπρον) - referring to the island.
"Left" (εὐώνυμον) - meaning "on the left hand" or "port side," which navigators used to indicate the side that was opposite the starboard.
"Sailed" (πλεύσαντες) - this indicates the act of sailing or voyaging by sea.
"Syria" (Συρίαν) - referring to the region that they approached after passing Cyprus.
"Landed" (κατήλθομεν) - to go down, disembark, or arrive.
"Tyre" (Τύρον) - the city where the ship was headed to unload.
"To unlade her burden" (ἀποφορτισθῆναι τὸ πλοῖον) - this phrase consists of the verb ἀποφορτίζω, meaning "to unload," and the noun πλοῖον, referring to the ship.

The language reflects the maritime vocabulary of the time and emphasizes the action and direction of the journey.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Comparing Acts 21:3 to ancient myths, one might consider the voyages of heroes such as Odysseus in Homer's "Odyssey." However, unlike mythological journeys, which were often for personal glory or exploration, Paul's travels in Acts were for the purpose of spreading Christianity.

In religious contexts, the details of Paul's journeys can be contrasted with other religious figures, such as the Buddha or Mohammed, who also traveled extensively as part of their religious missions, although the means and cultural settings were different.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, understanding ancient navigation techniques and the maritime technology of the first century CE is essential to contextualizing the verse.

Paul's journey adhered to the sea routes commonly used at the time, which traders and travelers would have relied on due to the predominant winds and currents in the Mediterranean.

Furthermore, the process of unloading cargo in an ancient port city like Tyre would have involved a combination of physical labor and simple machines, reflecting the engineering knowledge of the period.

Commentaries

Many Biblical commentaries note the mundane nature of this verse, illustrating the logistics involved in Paul's missionary work and the broader context of daily life in the Roman Empire.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary, for example, notes the incidental manner in which Luke touches upon the island of Cyprus, while Matthew Henry's Commentary expands on the significance of Tyre in the ancient world and considers the practicalities of maritime travel that would inadvertently lead to opportunities for ministry and mission.

Experts often emphasize the historical accuracy and eye for detail that Luke, the author of Acts, brings to his account, as he carefully documents the various stages, geographical locations, and practical considerations of Paul's journey.

Acts 21

Acts 21

What does Acts 21:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Acts 21:3 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Acts Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?