Acts 21:1-6
1 Now when we had parted from them and had set sail, we ran a straight course to Cos, and on the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara;
2 and having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.
3 When we came in sight of Cyprus, leaving it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and landed at Tyre; for the ship was to unload its cargo there.
4 After looking up the disciples, we stayed there for seven days; and they kept telling Paul, through the Spirit, not to set foot in Jerusalem.
5 When our days there were ended, we left and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. After kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.
6 Then we boarded the ship, and they returned home.
From Miletus to Patara
The context
Paul is now traveling from Miletus to Jerusalem. Luke has left a detailed account of this journey. Acts 21:1-18 is the third “we section,” and this passage carries deep theological significance. Luke appears to be drawing a parallel between Jesus’ passion and Paul’s journey to Jerusalem.
From Miletus to Cos, Rhodes, and Patara
(1) The voyage from Miletus to Cos. (a) The ship Paul traveled on was a small coastal vessel. It is possible that Paul chartered this ship. (b) Such small ships sailed along the coastline and docked at ports overnight. They were somewhat similar to schooners in the 18th century. (c) Cos is an island about 40 miles (65 km) south of Miletus and is famous as the birthplace of Hippocrates, known for the “Hippocratic Oath.” This “Oath” is a declaration concerning medical ethics and duties, addressed to Greek gods. (Cos also housed a medical school.)
(2) The voyage from Cos to Rhodes. (a) The journey from Cos to Rhodes covered approximately 87 miles (140 km). The name “Rhodes” means “rose.” (b) Rhodes was a cosmopolitan city and home to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of Rhodes. (c) For reference, the Seven Wonders of the World are: The Great Pyramid of Giza, The Hanging Gardens of Babylon, The Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, The Statue of Zeus at Olympia, The Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, The Colossus of Rhodes, The Lighthouse of Alexandria. (d) The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the sun god Helios, built around the 3rd century BC. It stood as a lighthouse with legs apart, measuring 112 ft (34 m) in height, or about 164 ft (50 m) including the pedestal (approx. one-third of the Statue of Liberty). Helios was often conflated with the sun god Apollo, which led to the statue also being referred to as the “Colossus of Apollo.” (e) By the time Paul passed through Rhodes, the statue had already been destroyed.
(3) The voyage from Rhodes to Patara. (a) Sailing approximately 60 miles (95 km) east from Rhodes leads to the port of Patara. The journey from Miletus to Patara likely took about three days. (b) Up to this point, the journey was made using a small coastal vessel navigating the inner sea.
The lesson to be learned from this passage is the historical accuracy and reliability of Luke’s account. The Bible surely is trustworthy. Additionally, this journey is one leading toward suffering, but let’s pay attention to Paul’s strong will going to Jerusalem. Let us also be resolute to follow the Lord Jesus.
Today's prayer
Heavenly Father, truly, the Bible is trustworthy. Today, I will continue to stand on the correct understanding of Scripture and follow the Lord Jesus. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.