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NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Act_21:1-6
1When we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos and the next day to Rhodes and from there to Patara; 2and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail. 3When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload its cargo. 4After looking up the disciples, we stayed there seven days; and they kept telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem. 5When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another. 6Then we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
Act_21:1 "ran a straight course" This is a nautical term meaning to sail a direct course (cf. Act_16:11). Luke was very familiar with sailing terms (cf. Act_21:3). Most of the "we" sections of Acts involve sailing.
▣ "Cos" The name means "summit." It is the name of both an island and its largest city. This island was the home of Hippocrates (fifth century b.c.) and it was the site of a large medical school. It was a free state considered to be part of the Roman province of Asia. It was located about forty miles south of Miletus.
▣ "Rhodes" This is also the name of an island and its chief city. This commercial island was famous for (1) its roses and (2) its university, which specialized in rhetoric and oratory. In the past (29 b.c.) it was world famous for its bronze, 104' tall colossus of a man that stood by the harbor. The statue functioned as a lighthouse.
▣ "Patara" The Western family of Greek manuscripts (cf. P41, D) and some Old Latin versions add "and Myra" (most likely an addition from Act_27:5), which was the chief port for ships to Syria. The UBS4 gives the shorter reading an "A" rating (certain).
Patara was a coastal city in Lycia. It was famous for its oracle of Apollo, which at one time rivaled even Delphi.
Act_21:2 "and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia" This must have been a larger ship. The smaller ships hugged the coastline. This ship saved them a lot of time by taking a direct route.
Act_21:3 "came in sight of Cyprus" This must have brought thoughts of Barnabas and the first missionary journey.
▣ "Tyre" This was the coastal capital of Phoenicia.
Act_21:4 "the disciples" There was a church in this city which was probably started after the persecution of Stephen (cf. Act_8:4; Act_11:19). In this period believers would seek out other believers to stay with (cf. Act_21:7; Act_21:16).
▣ "telling Paul through the Spirit not to set foot in Jerusalem" This refers to the presence of prophets in this local congregation (cf. Act_20:23; Act_21:10-12). Their message concerning persecution was true and yet apparently Paul's trip was God's will (cf. Act_21:14). Jesus, through Ananias, had told Paul about his life's work (cf. Act_9:15-16). Suffering would be part of it, but also he would witness to kings.
Act_21:5 "After kneeling down on the beach and praying" This is a beautiful picture of Christian love and concern. It may have been a special service, like Act_20:32; Act_20:36.