Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version After sighting Cyprus and passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria. We landed at Tyre, where our ship was to unload its cargo. New Living Translation We sighted the island of Cyprus, passed it on our left, and landed at the harbor of Tyre, in Syria, where the ship was to unload its cargo. English Standard Version When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for there the ship was to unload its cargo. Berean Standard Bible After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. Berean Literal Bible And having sighted Cyprus and having left it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was unloading the cargo there. King James Bible 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. New King James Version 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. New American Standard Bible When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for the ship was to unload its cargo there. NASB 1995 When 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. NASB 1977 And when we had come 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. Legacy Standard Bible And when 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. Amplified Bible After we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on our left (port side), we sailed on to Syria and put in at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Berean Annotated Bible After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. Christian Standard Bible After we sighted Cyprus, passing to the south of it, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, since the ship was to unload its cargo there. Holman Christian Standard Bible After we sighted Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we sailed on to Syria and arrived at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. American Standard Version And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to unlade her burden. Contemporary English Version We came within sight of Cyprus and then sailed south of it on to the port of Tyre in Syria, where the ship was going to unload its cargo. English Revised Version And when we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. GOD'S WORD® Translation We could see the island of Cyprus as we passed it on our left and sailed to Syria. We landed at the city of Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. Good News Translation We came to where we could see Cyprus, and then sailed south of it on to Syria. We went ashore at Tyre, where the ship was going to unload its cargo. International Standard Version We came in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on our left, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre because the ship was to unload its cargo there. NET Bible After we sighted Cyprus and left it behind on our port side, we sailed on to Syria and put in at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. New Heart English Bible 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. Webster's Bible Translation 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. Weymouth New Testament After sighting Cyprus and leaving that island on our left, we continued our voyage to Syria and put in at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAfter sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. World English Bible When we had come in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was there to unload her cargo. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having discovered Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and landed at Tyre, for there was the ship discharging the cargo. Berean Literal Bible And having sighted Cyprus and having left it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was unloading the cargo there. Young's Literal Translation and having discovered Cyprus, and having left it on the left, we were sailing to Syria, and did land at Tyre, for there was the ship discharging the lading. Smith's Literal Translation And having been shown Cyprus, and left it at the left hand, we sailed to Syria, and were conveyed to Tyre: for thither was the ship discharging the lading. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when we had discovered Cyprus, leaving it on the left hand, we sailed into Syria, and came to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden. Catholic Public Domain Version Then, after we had caught sight of Cyprus, keeping it to the left, we sailed on to Syria, and we arrived at Tyre. For the ship was going to unload its cargo there. New American Bible We caught sight of Cyprus but passed by it on our left and sailed on toward Syria and put in at Tyre where the ship was to unload cargo. New Revised Standard Version We came in sight of Cyprus; and leaving it on our left, we sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre, because the ship was to unload its cargo there. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen we reached the Island of Cyprus, and passed it on the left hand, and sailed to for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Aramaic Bible in Plain English We came as far as to The Island Cyprus, and we passed it to the left and we came to Syria, and from there we arrived at Tyre, for the ship was to unload its cargo there. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentAnd we came in view of Cyprus; and, leaving it to the left, we sailed to Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to put off her lading. Godbey New Testament And coming in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, we sailed to Syria, and disembarked at Tyre: for there the ship was delivering her cargo. Haweis New Testament and coming in sight of Cyprus, and leaving it on the left, we sailed unto Syria, and landed at Tyre; for there the ship was to discharge her cargo. Mace New Testament having made Cyprus, leaving it to the North, we took our course to Syria, and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unlade her cargo. Weymouth New Testament After sighting Cyprus and leaving that island on our left, we continued our voyage to Syria and put in at Tyre; for there the ship was to unload her cargo. Worrell New Testament And, having 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. Worsley New Testament And coming in fight of Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed to Syria, and came down to Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Paul's Journey to Jerusalem…2Finding a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we boarded it and set sail. 3After sighting Cyprus and passing south of it, we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre, where the ship was to unload its cargo. 4We sought out the disciples in Tyre and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit they kept telling Paul not to go up to Jerusalem.… Cross References After sighting Cyprus Acts 13:4-6 So Barnabas and Saul, sent forth by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. / When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John was with them as their helper. / They traveled through the whole island as far as Paphos, where they found a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, Acts 4:36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), Acts 11:19-20 Meanwhile those scattered by the persecution that began with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message only to Jews. / But some of them, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began speaking to the Greeks as well, proclaiming the good news about the Lord Jesus. and passing south of it, Acts 27:4 After putting out from there, we sailed to the lee of Cyprus because the winds were against us. Acts 27:5 And when we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia. we sailed on to Syria Acts 18:18 Paul remained in Corinth for quite some time before saying goodbye to the brothers. He had his head shaved in Cenchrea to keep a vow he had made, and then he sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. Acts 15:41 And he traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. Galatians 1:21 Later I went to the regions of Syria and Cilicia. and landed at Tyre, Matthew 15:21 Leaving that place, Jesus withdrew to the district of Tyre and Sidon. Mark 7:24 Jesus left that place and went to the region of Tyre. Not wanting anyone to know He was there, He entered a house, but was unable to escape their notice. Acts 12:20 Now Herod was in a furious dispute with the people of Tyre and Sidon, and they convened before him. Having secured the support of Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, they asked for peace, because their region depended on the king’s country for food. where the ship was to unload its cargo. Ezekiel 27:25 The ships of Tarshish carried your merchandise. And you were filled with heavy cargo in the heart of the sea. Ezekiel 27:12 Tarshish was your merchant because of your great wealth of goods; they exchanged silver, iron, tin, and lead for your wares. Isaiah 23:8 Who planned this against Tyre, the bestower of crowns, whose traders are princes, whose merchants are renowned on the earth? Acts 27:7 After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived off Cnidus. When the wind impeded us, we sailed to the lee of Crete, opposite Salmone. Acts 20:15 Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus. Treasury of Scripture 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. Cyprus. Acts 21:16 There went with us also certain of the disciples of Caesarea, and brought with them one Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we should lodge. Acts 4:36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, The son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, Acts 11:19 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only. Syria. Acts 15:23,41 And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia: … Acts 18:18 And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. Judges 10:6 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the LORD, and served Baalim, and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Zidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and forsook the LORD, and served not him. Tyre. Acts 12:20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king's chamberlain their friend, desired peace; because their country was nourished by the king's country. Psalm 45:12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall intreat thy favour. Psalm 87:4 I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to them that know me: behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia; this man was born there. Jump to Previous Burden Cargo Continued Cyprus Discharge Discovered Goods Hand Island Kept Leaving Passing Sailed Ship Sight Syria Tyre View VoyageJump to Next Burden Cargo Continued Cyprus Discharge Discovered Goods Hand Island Kept Leaving Passing Sailed Ship Sight Syria Tyre View VoyageActs 21 1. Paul calls at the house of Philip, whose daughters prophesy.10. Agabus, foretelling what should befall him at Jerusalem, 13. he will not be dissuaded from going thither. 17. He comes to Jerusalem; 27. where he is apprehended, and in great danger, but by the chief captain is rescued; 37. and requests, and is permitted to speak to the people. After sighting Cyprus Cyprus is an island in the eastern Mediterranean, significant in early Christian history. It was the home of Barnabas, a companion of Paul (Acts 4:36). The island was one of the first places Paul visited on his missionary journeys (Acts 13:4-5). The mention of Cyprus here indicates the route taken by Paul and his companions as they traveled by sea. The island's location made it a common landmark for ships traveling from Asia Minor to the Levant. and passing south of it we sailed on to Syria and landed at Tyre where the ship was to unload its cargo Persons / Places / Events 1. CyprusAn island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, significant in early Christian history as the home of Barnabas and a place where Paul and Barnabas preached during their first missionary journey. 2. Syria A region in the ancient Near East, which included important cities like Antioch, a major center for early Christianity and the starting point for Paul's missionary journeys. 3. Tyre A prominent Phoenician city on the Mediterranean coast, known for its trade and commerce. In the context of Acts, it was a place where Paul and his companions stopped during their journey to Jerusalem. 4. Paul The apostle who is traveling towards Jerusalem, continuing his mission to spread the Gospel and strengthen the early Christian communities. 5. The Ship's Cargo Represents the commercial activity of the time, highlighting the intersection of trade routes and the spread of Christianity. Teaching Points The Strategic Role of Geography in MinistryThe mention of Cyprus, Syria, and Tyre highlights the strategic locations that facilitated the spread of the Gospel. Consider how God uses geographical and cultural contexts to advance His kingdom. The Importance of Community in the Journey of Faith Paul's journey to Tyre underscores the importance of Christian fellowship and support. Reflect on how we can support and encourage one another in our faith journeys. The Intersection of Commerce and Mission The unloading of the ship's cargo in Tyre illustrates the intersection of commerce and mission. Explore how our daily work and interactions can serve as opportunities for witnessing and ministry. Faithfulness in the Face of Challenges Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem despite potential dangers serves as a model of faithfulness. Consider how we can remain steadfast in our commitments to God's calling. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Acts 21:3?2. How does Acts 21:3 demonstrate God's guidance in Paul's missionary journey? 3. What can we learn from Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem despite challenges? 4. How does Acts 21:3 connect with Paul's earlier travels in Acts 19:21? 5. How can we apply Paul's commitment to God's mission in our daily lives? 6. What role does prayer play in discerning God's direction, as seen in Acts 21:3? 7. What significance does Acts 21:3 hold in understanding Paul's missionary journeys? 8. How does Acts 21:3 reflect the historical accuracy of Paul's travels? 9. What theological implications arise from Paul's journey to Syria in Acts 21:3? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 21? 11. What were the key events in Paul's First Missionary Journey? 12. What were Apostle Paul's missionary journeys? 13. What is the timeline of Paul's life events? 14. What role did Cyprus play in biblical events? What Does Acts 21:3 Mean After sighting Cyprus• Luke’s “we” reminds us he is traveling with Paul, providing an eyewitness record (Acts 16:10). • Cyprus lies to the north; Paul had ministered there earlier with Barnabas (Acts 13:4–12), so the island recalls God’s past faithfulness on missionary journeys. • The visual landmark assures readers that the voyage is progressing under the Lord’s sovereign care, echoing Psalm 107:23–30, where God guides those “who go down to the sea in ships.” and passing south of it • The decision not to stop signals Paul’s urgency to reach Jerusalem before Pentecost (Acts 20:16). • His determination models single-minded obedience much like Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51). • The route south of Cyprus avoids prevailing winds, illustrating prudent stewardship of time and resources (Proverbs 16:9). we sailed on to Syria • “Syria” designates the Roman province that included Phoenicia; Paul is nearing the heartland of earlier church growth (Acts 11:19–26). • The advance toward Jerusalem fulfills Acts 19:21, where Paul “resolved in the Spirit” to go there after Macedonia and Achaia. • The narrative underscores God’s geographical strategy—step by step, the gospel radiates from Jerusalem and now circles back (Acts 1:8). and landed at Tyre • Tyre, an ancient Phoenician port, already hosted believers scattered by persecution (Acts 11:19). • Isaiah foresaw Tyre’s wealth consecrated to the Lord (Isaiah 23:18); here we witness the city’s spiritual harvest as disciples welcome Paul (Acts 21:4). • Paul’s arrival embodies Ephesians 2:14, breaking down walls between Jew and Gentile, for Tyre was long viewed as a Gentile stronghold (Mark 7:24–30). where the ship was to unload its cargo • Commercial details anchor the narrative in real history and highlight Luke’s careful accuracy (Luke 1:3). • The unloading grants Paul seven days to fellowship and receive Spirit-led counsel (Acts 21:4), showing how God uses ordinary scheduling to accomplish eternal purposes (Romans 8:28). • The scene anticipates Paul’s later comparison of gospel ministry to a treasure entrusted for delivery (2 Timothy 1:14). summary Acts 21:3 records a straightforward nautical log, yet every phrase points to God’s faithful guidance of Paul’s mission. Past experiences with Cyprus, strategic routing toward Syria, rich fellowship in Tyre, and even a ship’s unloading schedule all converge to move the apostle closer to Jerusalem in God’s perfect timing. The verse assures believers that the Lord directs both the grand and the mundane details of life to advance His unchanging redemptive plan. (3) When we had discovered Cyprus . . .--The use of a technical term here is specially characteristic of St. Luke. Here the meaning is that, as soon as they sighted Cyprus, they stood to the southeast, and so had it on their left as they continued their voyage to Syria. At Tyre they had again to change their ship. On the position and history of Tyre, see Note on Matthew 11:21.Verse 3. - And for when, A.V.; come in sight of for discovered, A.V.; leaving it... we sailed for we left it... and sailed, A.V.; unto for into, A.V. Had come in sight of; literally, had been shown Cyprus; had had Cyprus made visible to us; i.e. had sighted Cyprus. It is a nautical expression. Meyer compares the phrase πεπίστευμαι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον for the grammatical construction. The verb ἀναφαίνω is peculiar to St. Luke, occur-tug elsewhere in the New Testament only in Luke 19:11. It is, however, used repeatedly in the LXX. of Job. Landed; κατήχθημεν, T.R., just the opposite to the ἀνήθημεν of ver. 2; but the R.T. has κατήλθομεν, with the same meaning, "we came to shore." At Tyre, which they may have reached in about forty-eight hours from Patara with a fair wind (Howson). Tyre at this time was still a city of some commercial importance, with two harbors, one north and one south of the causeway which connected the island with the mainland (see Acts 12:20). Howson thinks the ship in which St. Paul sailed may have brought wheat from the Black Sea, and taken up Phoenician wares in exchange. The sight of Cyprus as he sailed by must have brought many and very various memories to the apostle's mind, of Barnabas, of Sergius Paulus, of Elymas, and many others.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [After]δὲ (de) Conjunction Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc. sighting ἀναφάναντες (anaphanantes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 398: From ana and phaino; to show, i.e. appear, or to have pointed out. Cyprus Κύπρον (Kypron) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 2954: Cyprus. Of uncertain origin; Cyprus, an island in the Mediterranean. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. passing south of it, καταλιπόντες (katalipontes) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural Strong's 2641: From kata and leipo; to leave down, i.e. Behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining. we sailed on ἐπλέομεν (epleomen) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 4126: Another form for pleuo; which is used as an alternate in certain tenses; probably a form of pluno; to pass in a vessel. to εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Syria Συρίαν (Syrian) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 4947: Syria, a great Roman imperial province, united with Cilicia. Probably of Hebrew origin; Syria, a region of Asia. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. landed κατήλθομεν (katēlthomen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 2718: From kata and erchomai; to come down. at εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. Tyre, Τύρον (Tyron) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5184: Tyre, an ancient city, the capital of Phoenicia. Of Hebrew origin: Tyrus, a place in Palestine. [where] ἐκεῖσε (ekeise) Adverb Strong's 1566: Thither, there, at that place. From ekei; thither. the τὸ (to) Article - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. ship πλοῖον (ploion) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 4143: A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel. was ἦν (ēn) Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. to unload ἀποφορτιζόμενον (apophortizomenon) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 670: To unload, discharge. From apo and the middle voice of phortizo; to unload. [its] τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. cargo. γόμον (gomon) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular Strong's 1117: A cargo, freight. From gemo; a load, i.e. a cargo, or wares. Links Acts 21:3 NIVActs 21:3 NLT Acts 21:3 ESV Acts 21:3 NASB Acts 21:3 KJV Acts 21:3 BibleApps.com Acts 21:3 Biblia Paralela Acts 21:3 Chinese Bible Acts 21:3 French Bible Acts 21:3 Catholic Bible NT Apostles: Acts 21:3 When we had come in sight (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
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