King James Version

What Does Acts 21:2 Mean?

Acts 21:2 in the King James Version says “And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.” — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.”

Acts 21:2 · KJV

Context

1

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

2

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

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.

4

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's willingness to sail toward prophesied suffering challenge your approach to obedience when God's path leads through hardship?
  2. What 'ships' is God providing for your journey—ordinary means for extraordinary purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 8 words
καὶ1 of 8

“And”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὑρόντες2 of 8

“finding”

G2147

to find (literally or figuratively)

πλοῖον3 of 8

“a ship”

G4143

a sailer, i.e., vessel

διαπερῶν4 of 8

“sailing over”

G1276

to cross entirely

εἰς5 of 8

“unto”

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Φοινίκην6 of 8

“Phenicia”

G5403

palm-country; phoenice (or phoenicia), a region of palestine

ἐπιβάντες7 of 8

“we went aboard”

G1910

to walk upon, i.e., mount, ascend, embark, arrive

ἀνήχθημεν8 of 8

“and set forth”

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 21:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jonah 1:3Acts 27:6Acts 11:19Acts 15:3

Places in This Verse

PhoeniciaRegion · Modern: Tyre · 33.27°N, 35.20°E4 verses across 2 books
View all places in Acts 21 →

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