Acts 21:1
What does Acts 21:1 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 21:1 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 21:1 means
Luke records the decisive break from the Ephesian elders: “we were parted from them” shows the emotional cost of obedience. Paul’s party does not drift but sails with purpose, taking a straight course from Cos to Rhodes to Patara. This travel log underscores God’s providential guidance in ordinary steps—ports, ships, and days. The journey is not a retreat but a steady advance toward Jerusalem, where suffering awaits. The clear, sequential movements remind us that God often leads through practical means. Paul’s resolve is steady; he is not hiding from danger but moving toward the will of the Lord Jesus, trusting that each harbor is a step in God’s larger plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when it came to pass that we were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when it came to pass that we were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And after parting from them, we put out to sea and came straight to Cos, and the day after to Rhodes, and from there to Patara:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it came to pass, at our sailing, having been parted from them, having run direct, we came to Coos, and the succeeding <FI>day<Fi> to Rhodes, and thence to Patara,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when it came to pass that, being parted from them, we set sail, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes: and from thence to Patara.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when, having got away from them, we at last sailed away, we came by a direct course to Cos, and on the morrow to Rhodes, and thence to Patara.
Context
Acts 21 opens after Paul’s tearful farewell to the Ephesian elders in Acts 20. Verse 1 begins a detailed travel narrative that carries Paul from Asia Minor toward Judea. The named stops—Cos, Rhodes, Patara—set a concrete path that will culminate in Jerusalem. This orientation matters because the warnings and prayers that follow are tied to this movement. Verse 2 will show a key ship transfer that accelerates the journey, while verses 3–6 will situate the team at Tyre, where prophetic warnings surface and heartfelt farewells are exchanged on the beach.
v.1This passage
v.2and having found a ship crossing over unto Phoenicia, we went aboard, and set sail.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 27:4
And putting to sea from thence, we sailed under the lee of Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.
- Acts 27:2
And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
- Luke 8:22
Now it came to pass on one of those days, that he entered into a boat, himself and his disciples; and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake: and they launched forth.
- Luke 5:4
And when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.
- Acts 16:10
And when he had seen the vision, straightway we sought to go forth into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel unto them.
- Acts 20:37
And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him,
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Acts 21
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Acts 21.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Baptism
Baptism is a significant act symbolizing new life in Christ, repentance, and identification with his death, burial, and resurrection.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bible Reading
The Bible encourages us to read, study, and meditate on God’s Word to grow in faith and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Bitterness
Bitterness is a deep-seated resentment that can poison the heart, but God offers healing and freedom through forgiveness.
What the Bible says about…