What is the meaning of Acts 21:3? After sighting Cyprus • Luke’s “we” reminds us he is traveling with Paul, providing an eyewitness record (Acts 16:10). • Cyprus lies to the north; Paul had ministered there earlier with Barnabas (Acts 13:4–12), so the island recalls God’s past faithfulness on missionary journeys. • The visual landmark assures readers that the voyage is progressing under the Lord’s sovereign care, echoing Psalm 107:23–30, where God guides those “who go down to the sea in ships.” and passing south of it • The decision not to stop signals Paul’s urgency to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost (Acts 20:16). • His determination models single-minded obedience much like Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). • The route south of Cyprus avoids prevailing winds, illustrating prudent stewardship of time and resources (Proverbs 16:9). we sailed on to Syria • “Syria” designates the Roman province that included Phoenicia; Paul is nearing the heartland of earlier church growth (Acts 11:19–26). • The advance toward Jerusalem fulfills Acts 19:21, where Paul “resolved in the Spirit” to go there after Macedonia and Achaia. • The narrative underscores God’s geographical strategy—step by step, the gospel radiates from Jerusalem and now circles back (Acts 1:8). and landed at Tyre • Tyre, an ancient Phoenician port, already hosted believers scattered by persecution (Acts 11:19). • Isaiah foresaw Tyre’s wealth consecrated to the Lord (Isaiah 23:18); here we witness the city’s spiritual harvest as disciples welcome Paul (Acts 21:4). • Paul’s arrival embodies Ephesians 2:14, breaking down walls between Jew and Gentile, for Tyre was long viewed as a Gentile stronghold (Mark 7:24–30). where the ship was to unload its cargo • Commercial details anchor the narrative in real history and highlight Luke’s careful accuracy (Luke 1:3). • The unloading grants Paul seven days to fellowship and receive Spirit-led counsel (Acts 21:4), showing how God uses ordinary scheduling to accomplish eternal purposes (Romans 8:28). • The scene anticipates Paul’s later comparison of gospel ministry to a treasure entrusted for delivery (2 Timothy 1:14). summary Acts 21:3 records a straightforward nautical log, yet every phrase points to God’s faithful guidance of Paul’s mission. Past experiences with Cyprus, strategic routing toward Syria, rich fellowship in Tyre, and even a ship’s unloading schedule all converge to move the apostle closer to Jerusalem in God’s perfect timing. The verse assures believers that the Lord directs both the grand and the mundane details of life to advance His unchanging redemptive plan. |
    |