Acts 21:3
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Acts 21:3
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.
Chapter Context
Acts 21 is a historical narrative chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of truth, judgment, creation. Written during the late first century CE (c. 80-85 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Chronicles Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire despite official and unofficial opposition.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-40: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Acts and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Acts 21:3
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.
Analysis
We left it on the left hand (εὐώνυμον, euōnymon)—The nautical detail of passing Cyprus to port (left side) while sailing to Syria reflects Luke's eyewitness precision. Landed at Tyre marks a significant stop where the ship would 'unlade her burden' (ἀποφορτίζομαι, apophortízomai), meaning to discharge cargo. Tyre, once denounced by prophets (Isaiah 23, Ezekiel 26-28), now harbored a Christian community—a powerful testimony to the gospel's transforming reach into formerly pagan strongholds.
Historical Context
This voyage occurred around AD 57 during Paul's final journey to Jerusalem. Tyre was a major Phoenician seaport approximately 100 miles north of Caesarea. The shipping route from Asia Minor to Judea regularly followed the Levantine coast, making Tyre a natural port of call.
Reflection
- How do seemingly mundane travel details in Scripture remind us that biblical events occurred in real history with real people?
- What does the presence of believers in Tyre teach about the gospel's power to transform cities once under God's judgment?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Acts 4:36, 12:20, 21:16, Matthew 4:24