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

ACTS 21:2KJV
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Acts 21:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 21:2 mean?

Acts 21:2 describes how Paul and his companions found a ship that was heading to Phoenicia, so they boarded it and began their journey. The verse simply records a travel detail as Paul continues his trip toward Jerusalem.

In this part of Acts, Luke is narrating the journey of Paul and his group as they travel by sea. The mention of finding a ship and setting sail shows the practical steps taken in their travels, emphasizing the real-world movement and planning involved in Paul's missionary work.

The Greek behind Acts 21:2

  • The word for "finding" is εὑρίσκω (heuriskō), which means to discover or come upon. This shows that Paul and his companions were actively searching for a suitable ship, not just passively waiting.
  • The word for "aboard" is ἐμβαίνω (embainō), which means to go into or board. This highlights the deliberate action of getting onto the ship, marking a clear transition in their journey.
  • The word for "set forth" is ἀναχθῆναι (anachthēnai), which often means to set sail or depart by ship. This word gives a sense of launching out on a new leg of the journey, not just moving from place to place but beginning a significant segment of travel.

Why Acts 21:2 matters

  • This verse helps clarify that Paul's journeys involved careful planning and real logistical challenges, not just spiritual direction or miraculous events.
  • The detail about sailing to Phoenicia connects Paul's journey to the broader geography of the ancient Mediterranean, grounding the story in real places and routes.
  • By noting these travel steps, Luke shows the commitment and determination of Paul and his companions to reach Jerusalem, setting the stage for the important events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Phenicia” Greek G5403 · used in 3 verses

  • 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.
  • Acts 15:3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles: and they caused great joy unto all the brethren.

“over” Greek G1276 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 9:1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.
  • Matthew 14:34 And when they were gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.
  • Mark 6:53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and drew to the shore.

“aboard” Greek G1910 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
  • Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
  • Acts 25:1 Now when Festus was come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

“forth” Greek G321 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Acts 12:4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to keep him; intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.
  • Acts 27:2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.