Acts 21:1-6
Obedience to God’s calling may involve sorrowful farewells and misunderstood resolve.
1 When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.
2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.
3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo.
4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
5 When those days were over, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed.
6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
Obedience to God’s calling may involve sorrowful farewells and misunderstood resolve.
To describe Paul’s continued journey toward Jerusalem and the tension between prophetic warning and steadfast resolve.
This passage continues the journey narrative following Paul’s farewell to the Ephesian elders. The tone shifts from pastoral instruction to prophetic tension as warnings intensify. Luke highlights both the Spirit’s revelation of suffering and Paul’s unwavering resolve.
Paul sails from Miletus toward Jerusalem near Pentecost. The route includes several Mediterranean ports before reaching Tyre in Phoenicia. There he encounters disciples who, informed through the Spirit of coming hardship, urge him not to proceed. The farewell scene emphasizes the unity and devotion of early Christian communities.
Paul Goes to Jerusalem and Is Seized in the Temple
Acts 21 shows Paul walking knowingly into suffering for the name of Jesus, submitting to the Lord’s will, honoring the unity of the church, and becoming a chained witness through whom the gospel will advance.