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10. The Sailing From Anatolia to Lebanon (Acts 21:1-6)
ACTS 21:1-6
1 When it happened that we had parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail. 3 When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload her cargo. 4 Having found disciples, we stayed there seven days. These said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5 When it happened that we had accomplished the days, we departed and went on our journey. They all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. 6 After saying goodbye to each other, we went on board the ship, and they returned home again.
Whoever travels today in an airplane over the island of Rhodes and crosses the island of Cos toward Athens passes over a deep- tanned land in the midst of the crystalline- blue Mediterranean Sea. The traveler today crosses vast distances in a few minutes, with great velocity and deafening noise. Paul traveled two thousand years ago on a sailboat, which passed through straits, gulfs, and capes, in harmony and coordination with the wind and the waves.
During this long journey, Paul had enough time to speak to his companions about Jesus, to deepen them in the fullness and understanding of the Law, and to enlighten them with the freedom of the Gospel. The significance of this journey lay in the spiritual training of the future leaders of the church and the continuous communion of prayer. Those who traveled together thought of their churches in Greece and Anatolia, and prayed while they were in the midst of the sea, asking that the Holy Spirit might be poured out on the new believers in their homes, and that all the fruits of the love of Christ might appear in His followers.
When the apostle and his traveling companions saw a ship that was bound directly for Syria they joyfully boarded it. Such favorable conditions enabled them to make a rapid voyage, and save themselves much trouble and time. They would not have to tarry at Tarsus or Antioch, or jockey around different harbors and shores. They did not stop at Paphos, the seaport of Cyprus. Yet Paul must have told them how Christ had overcome the devil when he and Barnabas, years earlier, began their missionary journey on this beautiful island. The first goal of their missionary endeavor had not been the wonderful islands, but the rush over hard desert roads, passing through wastelands toward the populated capitals, striving to preach the gospel, as the Lord had directed His servants.
Following this, Christ’s triumphal procession arrived at Tyre, the rich island city, which Alexander had linked with the mainland in B.C. 300. There the ship unloaded its cargo, and Paul went with his companions into the marketplaces, seeking brothers in the faith. In Tyre Christians were few in number, while active members in commerce and fishing. The apostle found them in their houses, and stayed for a full week in this city, preaching the kingdom of God and encouraging their faithful hearts.
In his last voyage the apostle did not visit Ephesus, the great capital city, and did not make a call on its vigorous church, which took root and grew with the help of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. But now he chose to stay with the disciples in Tyre, for he wanted to strengthen the church there in its weakness, and see it filled with the Spirit of God.
We do not know exactly when the name of Jesus became deeply rooted in the hearts of the believers at Tyre. But undoubtedly the Spirit of the Lord had spoken by clear prophecy into their hearts and minds. The subject that the Holy Spirit had revealed in Ephesus also appeared in Tyre : Paul would suffer and be badly treated in Jerusalem, and that the end of his ministry was at hand. The Holy Spirit did not speak this truth to prevent Paul from going to Jerusalem. The people of the church, nevertheless, objected to his going into tribulation. This was a human reaction, which grew out of their love for him and their concern for his safety. But this servant of Christ was ready to follow, even in the last steps of his Lord. Thus Paul’s travel from Corinth to Jerusalem was not only Christ’s triumphal procession, but also an entry into sufferings and troubles. Paul went willingly toward Jerusalem, prepared to honor his Lord through the sacrificing of himself. The true believer does not run away from tribulation, for to him to die is gain – a sign of the manifestation of the glory of Christ in his followers.
All the church at Tyre accompanied Paul and his companions to the seashore. The men, women, slaves, and elders of the churches of Asia and Europe knelt down with the apostle. They did not care what the people around them might think, but prayed together, and said goodbye to the apostle and his companions, knowing that they would never see him again.
PRAYER: O Lord, Your ways are holy, and Your love is limitless. Teach us to trust in You, and to build our future on Your guidance. Help us not to fear tribulation, or flee from suffering for You. Forgive us our sins, sanctify us, and purify every member of Your church in the world.
QUESTION:
- What were Paul’s experiences in Tyre?