Acts 21 2

Acts 21:2 kjv

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

Acts 21:2 nkjv

And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

Acts 21:2 niv

We found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, went on board and set sail.

Acts 21:2 esv

And having found a ship crossing to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

Acts 21:2 nlt

There we boarded a ship sailing for Phoenicia.

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 2 Meaning

The verse describes Paul and his companions reaching Tyre. Their purpose was to disembark and spend a week there, primarily to meet with disciples. This highlights the relational aspect of their ministry, emphasizing community and encouragement before continuing their journey. The stay of a week indicates a period of fellowship and perhaps rest, crucial for sustaining their strenuous missionary activities.

Acts 21 2 Context

This verse is part of the final journey narrative of Paul in the book of Acts. After extensive ministry in the Greek-speaking world, Paul is determined to reach Jerusalem, driven by a sense of divine calling and a desire to fulfill his mission for the Gentiles among the Jewish people. The chapters leading up to this verse depict his farewells, prophetic warnings about his impending suffering in Jerusalem, and his resolute spirit to press on. The presence of companions like Luke (the narrator) and others is noted throughout these travels, illustrating the communal aspect of early Christian missions. The stops along the way, like Tyre, are significant not just for geographical progression but for the ministry and fellowship experienced.

Acts 21 2 Word analysis

• And when - A conjunctive phrase indicating a transition to the next event.
• we - Refers to Paul and his traveling companions, including the author, Luke.
• had figured - A past tense verb. In Koine Greek, this is the verb anago (ἀνάγω). It means to bring up, set sail, or put out to sea.
• our course - The planned route or destination.
• from - Indicating the starting point of the journey segment.
• that shore - Refers to the general area or port from which they departed.
• we had figured our course toward - Denotes their deliberate intention and plan for onward travel.
• Syria - The Roman province that included Phoenicia.
• and - A conjunction connecting clauses.
• we put in at Tyre - Arriving at the city of Tyre and anchoring there. The Greek verb kathizo (καθίζω) means to sit down or settle. Here, in the context of a voyage, it implies they "set themselves down" or landed and disembarked at Tyre.
• where - Indicating the location where the subsequent event occurred.
• the disciples - Followers of Jesus Christ, members of the early Christian church.
• were - A linking verb.
• to abide - To remain, to dwell, or to stay for a period. The Greek verb is menein (μένειν), which implies a more settled staying than simply passing through.
• seven days - A specific duration of time, suggesting a planned significant stop.
• And - Conjunction.
• they - Refers to the disciples in Tyre.
• when they had figured out - When they discovered or were informed.
• that - Conjunction introducing the subordinate clause.
• we - Paul and his company.
• would put in there - Would be arriving or stopping at Tyre.
• they told Paul - They informed or communicated to Paul.
• about - Regarding or concerning.
• Agabus - A prophet mentioned earlier in Acts (Acts 11:28).
• not - Negation.
• to set out on our journey until we were departed - This phrasing in some translations suggests they asked Paul not to depart until he was ready or until they had completed their purpose. A more common and likely understanding of the Greek underlying the intent is that the disciples' communication of Agabus's prophecy would likely influence their decision to depart or at least prolong their stay. The wording "to set out on our journey" can be interpreted as "to continue the journey" or "to leave" the place. The nuance is that they discovered Paul's impending arrival and they then conveyed Agabus's prophecy and the resulting exhortation to stay.

Acts 21 2 Bonus section

The seven-day stay in Tyre is significant in contrast to shorter stops Paul often made. It underscores the importance of community support for itinerant missionaries. The presence of disciples and their heartfelt concern for Paul mirrors the biblical principle of mutual edification and bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2). The mentioning of Agabus, a known prophet, indicates the ongoing operation of prophetic gifts in the early church. This encounter foreshadows the intensity of the spiritual and personal challenges Paul will soon face in Jerusalem, emphasizing the need for divine strength and the prayers of the church.

Acts 21 2 Commentary

The disciples in Tyre demonstrate a sensitive spiritual awareness and a deep care for Paul's well-being and ministry. Their knowledge of Agabus's prophetic message likely prompted their urgent request for Paul to remain with them for a week. This extended fellowship was not merely a social call but a period to share encouragement, to perhaps seek further insight from the prophet and the apostle, and to build them up. Their plea reflects the Christian community's concern for apostles who risked so much, and it underscores the vital role of mutual support and spiritual oversight within the body of Christ. Their actions prepare Paul for what lies ahead by grounding him in prayer and fellowship before he faces anticipated persecution in Jerusalem.