Meaning of Acts 21:6

This verse marks the conclusion of a significant leg of Paul's journey, specifically his farewell to the Ephesian believers and the cessation of his extended stay in that city. The phrase "saying goodbye to each other" highlights the emotional weight of parting from a community with whom Paul had invested considerable time and spiritual labor, as detailed in the preceding chapters of Acts. The act of "going aboard the ship" signifies a transition to a new phase of his ministry, a departure from a settled place to continue his mission of spreading the Gospel. The return of "they" (referring to the Ephesian friends who accompanied Paul to the ship) "home" underscores the completion of this specific interaction and the return to their own spheres of life, while Paul embarks on his onward journey.

Context and Background

The narrative in Acts 20 recounts Paul's lengthy ministry in Ephesus, a major Roman city and a hub of commerce and pagan worship, particularly of the goddess Artemis. During his three-year stay, Paul established a strong church and faced significant opposition. Acts 20:31-38 details a deeply emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders at Miletus, where Paul warns them of wolves who will come in and expresses his deep affection for them. Acts 21:1-16 then describes Paul's subsequent travels and the prophetic warnings he receives about his impending suffering in Jerusalem. Acts 21:6 specifically follows a visit to Tyre (Acts 21:1-3), where disciples urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem, and then a stop in Ptolemais (Acts 21:7), before arriving in Caesarea (Acts 21:8-14) where Agabus prophesied Paul's arrest. The verse in question, Acts 21:6, appears to be a brief, concluding statement about the departure from a port, likely Caesarea or possibly an earlier stop, after the farewells were exchanged. The "they" returning home are the believers who accompanied Paul to the ship to bid him farewell.

Key Themes and Messages

The primary themes here are departure, farewell, and the continuation of mission. It underscores the nature of Christian ministry as a journey characterized by both deep relationships and necessary separations. The verse also implicitly speaks to the obedience to God's call, as Paul was clearly driven by a divine imperative to go to Jerusalem despite foreknowledge of hardship. The interdependence of believers is also present, as Paul was supported by the prayers and fellowship of these communities, even as he moved on to new fields.

Spiritual Significance and Application

From a spiritual perspective, this verse is a reminder that ministry often involves saying difficult goodbyes. Believers are called to invest deeply in communities, build strong relationships, and then, when the Lord directs, to move on. It highlights the transient nature of earthly assignments and the enduring nature of the Gospel mission. For individuals, it can speak to moments of transition in life, whether changing jobs, moving cities, or ending significant relationships, emphasizing the need for grace and trust in God's overarching plan. It encourages a spirit of detachment from comfort and familiarity in pursuit of God's will.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This verse fits within the larger narrative of the expansion of the early church and the missionary journeys of the apostles. It exemplifies the pattern established by Jesus and his disciples: proclaiming the Good News, establishing communities, and then moving to new areas. Paul's journey to Jerusalem, despite the foretold dangers, is a critical juncture in the book of Acts, leading to his imprisonment and subsequent ministry in Rome, which fulfilled his desire to preach the Gospel there. This departure is not an ending but a pivot, a necessary step in a divinely orchestrated plan that would eventually carry the Gospel to the Gentile world.

Analogies

One analogy for this verse is the launching of a ship from a harbor. The ship (Paul and his companions) has been in the harbor (Ephesus or a similar port), receiving provisions and fellowship. The well-wishers (the Ephesian believers) gather at the dock to bid them farewell as the ship sets sail for its next destination. The harbor remains, but the ship must continue its voyage. Another analogy is a student graduating from school. They have spent years in a particular institution, building relationships and gaining knowledge, and then they depart to begin their career or further studies, leaving behind the familiar environment.

Relation to Other Verses

This farewell echoes the parting of Paul with the Ephesian elders in Acts 20:36-38, where Luke describes them weeping and embracing Paul, sorrowing most of all because they would see his face no more. It also resonates with Paul's own understanding of ministry expressed in 2 Corinthians 12:14, where he states, "For the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, because I seek what you yourselves seek, not your possessions. For the children ought not to lay up treasures for their parents, but parents for their children." This suggests a paternalistic care for the churches he founded, even as he moved on. Furthermore, the theme of obedience to God's will in the face of hardship is seen in Acts 20:22-24, where Paul declares his determination to go to Jerusalem, "not knowing what will happen to me there," but trusting that his life is in God's hands and his mission is to finish it. The verse also aligns with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, which calls for believers to go and make disciples of all nations, implying a continuous movement and outreach.