Acts 21 5

Acts 21:5 kjv

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.

Acts 21:5 nkjv

When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed.

Acts 21:5 niv

When it was time to leave, we left and continued on our way. All of them, including wives and children, accompanied us out of the city, and there on the beach we knelt to pray.

Acts 21:5 esv

When our days there were ended, we departed and went on our journey, and they all, with wives and children, accompanied us until we were outside the city. And kneeling down on the beach, we prayed

Acts 21:5 nlt

When we returned to the ship at the end of the week, the entire congregation, including women and children, left the city and came down to the shore with us. There we knelt, prayed,

Acts 21 verses

Acts 21 5 Meaning

After concluding their scheduled stay in Tyre, the Apostle Paul and his companions continued their journey towards Jerusalem. As a profound gesture of communal respect and heartfelt farewell, the entire Christian community of Tyre, including men, women, and children, accompanied the missionaries to the outskirts of the city. This collective escort symbolized their deep spiritual bond and unwavering support for Paul's mission, despite previous warnings regarding the dangers awaiting him in Jerusalem.

Acts 21 5 Context

Acts chapter 21 chronicles Paul's resolute final leg of his third missionary journey, making his way to Jerusalem. He sails from various coastal towns, passing through Ephesus (implied by Acts 20), Coos, Rhodes, Patara, and then landing at Tyre. In Tyre, he stays for seven days, during which Spirit-led disciples urge him "not to go on to Jerusalem" (Acts 21:4), reflecting prophetic warnings of imprisonment and suffering he had received earlier (Acts 20:23) and would receive again (Acts 21:10-11). Despite these heartfelt pleas from the community, Paul remains determined, compelled by the Spirit (Acts 20:22). This verse (Acts 21:5) captures the poignant moment when the Tyre believers, after failing to dissuade him, gather in their entirety, families included, to send him off.

Historically and culturally, the act of "accompanying someone out of the city" was a significant expression of honor, respect, and deep affection in the ancient Mediterranean world. It was a formal gesture of farewell, extending protection and blessing to the traveler for the initial part of their journey. The inclusion of "wives and children" underscores the communal nature and depth of this respect, indicating that Paul had deeply impacted the entire community, transcending social distinctions and age groups. This farewell wasn't just a polite gesture but a visible, shared act of spiritual solidarity, laden with emotion and unspoken prayers for the mission's safety and success, despite their earlier warnings.

Acts 21 5 Word analysis

• When we had completed (ὡς ἐγένετο ἡμᾶς ἐξαρτίσαι - hōs egeneto hēmas exartisai):

  • ἐξαρτίσαι (exartisai): from exartizō, meaning "to complete, to finish, to equip fully."
  • Significance: This implies more than simply "finishing" a duration; it denotes a purposeful culmination, indicating that their appointed time in Tyre, possibly for fellowship, encouragement, and perhaps even ministry (despite the prophetic warnings), had reached its divinely or mission-appointed end.

• these days (τὰς ἡμέρας ταύτας - tas hēmeras tautas):

  • Refers directly to the "seven days" mentioned in Acts 21:4 that Paul and his company stayed in Tyre.
  • Significance: Specifies a definite, significant period of their spiritual interaction and communal life with the believers there, before resuming their travels.

• we departed (ἐξέλθοντες - exelthontes):

  • From exerchomai, meaning "to go out, depart."
  • Significance: Indicates the physical act of leaving Tyre, highlighting Paul's continued determination to pursue his journey to Jerusalem.

• and went on our journey (ἐπορευόμεθα - eporeuometha):

  • From poreuomai, meaning "to journey, travel, go."
  • Significance: Emphasizes the continuation of their purposeful mission-driven travel, reflecting their unyielding commitment to their destination despite challenges.

• and they all (πάντες - pantes):

  • Meaning "all, everyone, the whole."
  • Significance: Underscores the universal participation of the local Christian community in this farewell, indicating deep collective affection and unity.

• with wives (σὺν γυναιξίν - syn gynaixin):

  • σὺν (syn): "with, together with."
  • γυναιξίν (gynaixin): "women, wives."
  • Significance: Highlights the inclusive nature of the early Christian community, where women were active, visible participants in spiritual expressions and communal life, departing from traditional societal norms that often limited their public roles. It shows the community's entire demographic.

• and children (καὶ τέκνοις - kai teknois):

  • τέκνοις (teknois): "children."
  • Significance: The presence of children further emphasizes the truly all-inclusive nature of the Christian family in Tyre, demonstrating that faith and commitment were household affairs passed through generations. It showcases the complete involvement of the entire spiritual family in their act of solidarity.

• accompanied us (προετάξαντο ἡμᾶς - proepempsan hēmas):

  • From propempō, meaning "to send before, to send forward, to accompany, escort."
  • Significance: This was a gesture of deep honor, love, and respect. It was a formal and personal act of hospitality and farewell, reflecting the spiritual solidarity and practical support the Tyre church offered Paul and his team, essentially providing a respectful and prayerful send-off.

• till we were out of the city (ἕως ἔξω τῆς πόλεως - heōs exō tēs poleōs):

  • ἕως (heōs): "until, as far as."
  • ἔξω (exō): "outside."
  • τῆς πόλεως (tēs poleōs): "of the city."
  • Significance: Defines the precise extent of their escort, marking the traditional and customary boundary where an escort would normally turn back. It conveys the thoroughness and complete nature of their farewell gesture.

Words-group analysis

• "When we had completed these days": This phrase underlines the purposeful end of their visit, rather than an abrupt or unscheduled departure. It implies a settled intention for the duration of their stay, suggesting that fellowship and possibly a period of discernment following the Spirit's warnings (Acts 21:4) had run its course.
• "we departed and went on our journey": This dual phrasing powerfully communicates Paul's steadfast resolve. "Departed" marks the physical separation from Tyre, while "went on our journey" highlights the unwavering continuation of his predetermined path towards Jerusalem, despite the emotional farewells and warnings.
• "they all, with wives and children, accompanied us": This is the core expression of communal devotion. The inclusion of "all," "wives," and "children" speaks volumes about the early church's inclusivity, the depth of their affection for Paul, and the way Christian faith was lived out in holistic family and community units. It reflects a collective affirmation and tangible support for the mission.
• "accompanied us till we were out of the city": This entire phrase encapsulates the full act of respect and care. It demonstrates not just a brief farewell but a deliberate escort, extended to the very edge of their protection, signifying a full blessing and send-off for a beloved and esteemed missionary.

Acts 21 5 Bonus section

• Implied Prayer: While not explicitly stated in Acts 21:5 itself, the cultural practice of such a solemn escort would almost certainly involve prayers and blessings. Indeed, the very next verse (Acts 21:6) states, "And when we had parted from one another, we went on board the ship, and they returned home." The silence on direct prayer in verse 5 allows the tender action of the escort to speak, yet the subsequent context fills in the spiritual dimension of such a farewell.
• Missionary Logistics: This scene beautifully illustrates a vital aspect of early missionary work: the dependence on local church communities for support, not just financially, but logistically and emotionally. The act of "sending on their way" (Greek: propempō, as seen here and in Rom 15:24, 1 Cor 16:6, 3 John 1:6) was a common and essential function of churches supporting the traveling evangelists.
• Unity Amidst Disagreement: This passage subtly highlights the unity within the body of Christ even in the face of differing opinions. Though the Tyre disciples, guided by the Spirit, pleaded with Paul not to go to Jerusalem, their love for him and commitment to the mission was not diminished. They respected his decision, however difficult it seemed, and honored him with a full community farewell.
• The Weight of Witness: The children participating in the send-off would remember this event, learning by example the meaning of Christian devotion, courage in mission, and communal support, forming foundational memories for their own faith journey.

Acts 21 5 Commentary

Acts 21:5 offers a tender glimpse into the communal life and fervent devotion of the early church. Despite the emotionally charged warnings against Paul's continued journey to Jerusalem (Acts 21:4), the Tyre believers, in a remarkable display of unity and affection, provide him and his companions with a complete and heartfelt send-off. The sight of "all, with wives and children" accompanying them highlights several profound aspects: the all-encompassing nature of Christian fellowship, where every age and gender contributes to the corporate life of faith; the depth of the personal bond between missionaries and the communities they served; and the practical expression of spiritual solidarity. This gesture was more than mere courtesy; it was a tangible act of blessing and support for Paul's arduous mission, a recognition of his steadfast resolve, and perhaps, a silent prayer for divine protection on a journey foretold to be perilous. It visually underscores the biblical principle of supporting those sent forth in ministry, physically aiding their passage even as they might differ on the specific wisdom of the path taken. This collective action provides a powerful witness to the enduring koinonia (fellowship) that bound early believers together.