Bible Commentaries

And 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:

We came with a straight course — ευθυδρομησαντες . So shall all those that make "straight paths for their feet," Hebrews 12:13 , whose eyes look straight before them, Proverbs 4:25 , who ponder their paths by the weights of the word, Proverbs 4:26 .

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

Phoenicia — A region of Syria: the woman of Canaan was a Syrophoenician.

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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.

Now when he had discovered Cyprus — Vox nautica, a mariner’s term; so is συνεσταλμενος , 1 Corinthians 7:29 . St Paul was a great trader of Christ both by land and sea; and had terms ready for both. See Trapp on " 1 Corinthians 7:29 "

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And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

And finding disciples — Such as Isaiah had long since foretold should leave hoarding and heaping wealth, and find another manner of employment for it, to feed and clothe God’s saints, Isaiah 23:18 .

That he should not go up, … — They understanding by his divine revelation, what danger Paul was in, out of charity, and not by any special command of the Spirit, forewarned him, and desired him not to go up.

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And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till we were out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

And prayed — See Trapp on " Acts 20:36 "

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And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

We took ship — Leaving them on shore: we shall one day meet, and never more be separated. O dieculam illam, … Euge, Deo sit laus et gloria, quod iam instet horula illa gratissima, a O that day! O that joy! Castigemus mores et moras. (Bernard.) Let us ripen apace, and hasten to that heavenly home, that glorious panegyris and general assembly, Hebrews 12:23 .

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And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

And abode with them one day — Suavis hora, sed parva mora, short and sweet abode.

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And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Philip the Evangelist — He was at first but a deacon; but having well used that lower office, he was advanced to this. A fruitful man shall not sit long in a low place: God will call him forth to a higher employment, and make him master of much, that was so "faithful in a little" Luke 16:10 .

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