Acts 21:2
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 8
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
5 of 8
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Φοινίκην
Phenicia
G5403
Φοινίκην
Phenicia
Strong's:
G5403
Word #:
6 of 8
palm-country; phoenice (or phoenicia), a region of palestine
Historical Context
This occurred circa AD 57 during Paul's third missionary journey, following three years in Ephesus and travels through Macedonia and Greece. The 'we' sections of Acts (16:10-17, 20:5-21:18, 27:1-28:16) indicate Luke's eyewitness presence. Phoenician ports like Tyre and Sidon had significant Christian communities by this time, descended from Hellenistic Jewish believers scattered after Stephen's martyrdom (Acts 11:19). Paul's route traced early Christianity's geographic expansion.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's willingness to sail toward prophesied suffering challenge your approach to obedience when God's path leads through hardship?
- What 'ships' is God providing for your journey—ordinary means for extraordinary purposes?
Analysis & Commentary
And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth—The simplicity of Luke's 'we' narrative (indicating his personal presence) masks the significance: Paul's final journey to Jerusalem despite prophetic warnings of imprisonment (Acts 21:4, 11). The Greek ἀνεύροντες (aneurontes, 'finding') suggests providential discovery—not chance but divine orchestration of Paul's path toward suffering.
Phoenicia (modern Lebanon) represented the coastal route to Judea. This maritime leg bypassed overland dangers but couldn't evade the spiritual destination: chains awaited in Jerusalem. Paul's resolute we went aboard demonstrates how knowing God's will (including suffering) doesn't paralyze but propels obedience. The journey's mundane details—ships, ports, embarkation—frame profound spiritual courage: Paul sailed toward imprisonment as steadily as toward any missionary field.