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islands on their way to Jerusalem. They first come to Coos, the birthplace of Hippocrates, a
beautiful island famous for its medical schools. Next, they sailed to Rhodes, a large island
northeast of Crete, famous for its navy, located in a strategic point between the Aegean and
Mediterranean seas. Then they travel to Patara, a pleasure city on the coast between the West
and Middle East. Here they board a ship to Phoenicia.

Act 21:2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.

Phoenicia is an early seafaring nation famous for its navy and worldwide commerce. The
Phoenicians sailed to America long before anyone else. It was a large country located south of
Syria. Tyre is a chief city in Phoenicia. It was quite a task to sail from Patara to Phoenicia. The
distance was about 340 miles.

Act 21:3 When we had sighted Cyprus, we passed it on the left, sailed to Syria, and landed at
Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo.

They do not stop at Cyprus but sail by and dock in Tyre, a free city of Roman Syria. It had been
destroyed by Alexander and partially rebuilt by Herod. Along with its sister city, Sidon, it was
always popular for its heathenism. It was the object of many Biblical prophecies (Isaiah 23: 1-
17; Joel 3:4; Matthew 11:22). While the ship is unloading its cargo, Paul finds some believers,
strong disciples.

Act 21:4 And finding disciples, we stayed there seven days. They told Paul through the Spirit
not to go up to Jerusalem.
There are not many disciples in the city of Tyre, so it takes some searching to find Christians,
much less disciples filled with the Word and sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Paul and his team
remain in Tyre for one week. He ministers to the believers and they to him. Paul must have
mentioned to them about his upcoming trip to Jerusalem. He probably told them in wonderful
terms of his plans to preach the gospel and what he thought was the leading of the Holy Spirit
to go, even though he would face bonds. While he spoke, the same Holy Spirit revealed and
warned the disciples that Paul should not go to Jerusalem. God will move from disciples in Tyre
giving warning to a prophet in Caesarea, but Paul will still not listen.

Act 21:5 When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and
they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt
down on the shore and prayed.

Act 21:6 When we had taken our leave of one another, we boarded the ship, and they returned
home.

These people are so thankful for Paul coming to minister to them, they follow him and his team
to the dock and pray with him before he boards the next ship.

Act 21:7 And when we had finished our voyage from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, greeted the
brethren, and stayed with them one day.