Acts 21:7
And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.
Original Language Analysis
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
6 of 19
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
κατηντήσαμεν
we came
G2658
κατηντήσαμεν
we came
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
8 of 19
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀσπασάμενοι
saluted
G782
ἀσπασάμενοι
saluted
Strong's:
G782
Word #:
12 of 19
to enfold in the arms, i.e., (by implication) to salute, (figuratively) to welcome
τοὺς
G3588
τοὺς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
G80
ἀδελφοὺς
the brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
14 of 19
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐμείναμεν
and abode
G3306
ἐμείναμεν
and abode
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
15 of 19
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
ἡμέραν
day
G2250
ἡμέραν
day
Strong's:
G2250
Word #:
16 of 19
day, i.e., (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but several days were usually reckoned by the jews as inclusive of
Historical Context
Ptolemais (modern Acre/Akko) was located about 30 miles south of Tyre and 30 miles north of Caesarea. Named after Ptolemy II in the Hellenistic period, it served as another major port. The presence of 'brethren' there shows Christianity's rapid spread along major trade routes.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain fellowship with believers during brief encounters, recognizing every connection's kingdom value?
- What does the establishment of Christian communities in multiple cities teach about the gospel's organic, relational spread?
Analysis & Commentary
We had finished our course (διανύω, dianýō)—Paul's maritime journey continued with divine purpose directing each leg. The Greek suggests completing a measured stage, not random wandering. We came to Ptolemais—This brief stop at another ancient Phoenician city revealed the expanding network of Christian communities along the Mediterranean coast. Saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day—Even a single day's fellowship strengthened bonds between scattered believers and demonstrated the universal family created by the gospel across ethnic and geographic boundaries.