Acts 21:6
And when we had taken our leaue one of another, we tooke ship, and they returned home againe. Acts 21:6 (KJV)
This verse is part of the narrative in Acts chapter 21 and records the departure of the apostle Paul and his companions from the city of Tyre. In the preceding chapters Paul had traveled through many cities, sharing the gospel and encouraging believers. He had stopped in Miletus, where he gave an emotional farewell to the elders of the Ephesian church (Acts 20:17‑38). Continuing his journey, he arrived in Tyre, where disciples there, moved by the Holy Spirit, warned him that a dangerous journey to Jerusalem would bring imprisonment and afflictions (Acts 21:3‑4). They urged him to change his plans, but Paul, aware of the risks, resolved to obey God’s call.
Verse 6 follows this interaction. After bidding farewell to one another, Paul and his companions boarded a ship, while the believers who had accompanied them “returned home again.” The “home” mentioned refers to the place where the Tyre disciples were staying, not a distant destination. This detail highlights two key aspects of the early Christian community.
First, it shows the deep concern and care that fellow believers had for Paul’s well‑being. The Tyre disciples, aware of the dangers awaiting Paul in Jerusalem, genuinely worried for his safety, demonstrating the tight‑knit fellowship and mutual support that characterized the early church.
Second, Paul’s decision to press on toward Jerusalem despite the warnings reveals his unwavering commitment to the mission God had given him. His love for Christ and passion for spreading the gospel compelled him to endure hardship and potential persecution.
Acts 21:6 therefore reminds us of the importance of perseverance and obedience in our own walk of faith. It encourages believers to seek God’s will, trust His guidance even when the path ahead seems difficult, and value the supportive relationships within the body of Christ. The verse calls us to pray for one another, offer counsel and encouragement, and remain steadfast in the mission God has placed before us, just as Paul did.
