1 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: 2 And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth. 3 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. 4 And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 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. 6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again. 7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day. (Acts 21:1-7 KJV)
Paul’s voyage to Jerusalem
We may observe here how much difficulty Paul had in leaving Ephesus, as indicated by the opening words of the chapter: “after we had gotten from them” suggests a reluctant parting. Both Paul and the believers were unwilling to separate, but it had to be done. This is often the case when good people are taken away by death; they are as it were pulled from their friends who would have held on to them if they could.
Paul and his companions had a successful voyage. They sailed directly to Coos, then to Rhodes, and next to Patara (Acts 21:1). At Patara, they found a ship heading to Phoenicia, which aligned perfectly with their travel plans (Acts 21:2). When things fall into place so conveniently, we must acknowledge God’s providence. Boarding this ship, they set sail and passed Cyprus, which they left on the left hand, and finally landed at Tyre (Acts 21:3). Tyre had once been a bustling trade center and, though diminished, was still active enough for their ship to unload its cargo there.
At Tyre, Paul found disciples—believers in Christ. Wherever he went, Paul sought out fellow disciples and joined their fellowship. Although Jesus had been to the region of Tyre, he never preached there. Still, under the expanded commission of the gospel, Christ was now proclaimed in Tyre, fulfilling Isaiah 23:18: “Her merchandise and her hire shall be holiness to the Lord.”
Paul stayed in Tyre for seven days. This may have been partly to enjoy fellowship and partly to ensure he spent at least one Lord’s Day among them, allowing time for public preaching. Good men aim to do good wherever they go, and where disciples are found, mutual edification takes place.
The believers at Tyre, gifted by the Spirit, foresaw the troubles awaiting Paul in Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit had testified in every city that trials lay ahead for him (Acts 20:23). God allowed many to prophesy of this beforehand, so that when it happened, believers would not be shocked but strengthened. Out of love and concern, these disciples urged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. They likely believed the warning was conditional and hoped that by avoiding Jerusalem, Paul might escape danger. Their reasoning wasn’t at fault; their understanding was incomplete. Paul knew his trials would further the gospel, and their well-meaning opposition only highlighted his steadfast resolve.
Despite not being Paul’s converts, the believers at Tyre showed him great respect. After just seven days together, they all came out—men, women, and children—to see him off. This public farewell demonstrated their deep affection and reverence for Paul. It reminds us to show respect not only to our own spiritual leaders but also to all faithful ministers of Christ. It’s also a good example of raising children to honor godly people. Their attendance was a way to honor Paul and benefit from his final words and prayers.
They parted with prayer, just as Paul had done with the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:36). On the shore, they knelt and prayed together. Paul prayed for himself, for them, and for the churches. This parting prayer sanctified the farewell, and it serves as a model for us: when setting out, especially for sea journeys, we should commit ourselves to God’s care in prayer. They knelt on the shore regardless of the ground, following Paul’s own teaching to pray everywhere.
Eventually, they had to part ways (Acts 21:6). After their emotional farewell, Paul and his group boarded the ship, while the others returned home. Those with a journey ahead were thankful for a ship to carry them; those staying behind were grateful to have a home to return to. Both groups committed each other to God’s care—Paul leaving his blessing, and the others offering their prayers.
From there, they arrived at Ptolemais, not far from Tyre (Acts 21:7). Some believe this is the same as Accho, mentioned in Judges 1:31. Paul went ashore to greet the believers there, inquire about their well-being, and express his love. Though he only stayed one day—perhaps a Lord’s Day—he made time for a short visit rather than passing them by altogether.