Transferring to a larger ship

(1) The voyage from Patara to Tyre. The group was able to transfer to a larger ship in Patara. “And having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set sail.” (a) This is akin to switching from a local train to an express train during a railway journey. (b) This large ship was a direct route from Patara to Tyre, a distance of approximately 398 miles (640 km). It was likely a cargo vessel transporting grain or fruit. (c) The journey from Patara to Tyre involved crossing the Mediterranean Sea, taking approximately five days. (d) Phoenicia refers to the coastal region of Syria (modern-day Lebanon), with its central city being Tyre, a major commercial hub. (e) In those days, sea travel relied on finding a ship heading to the desired destination and boarding it. In other words, one had no choice but to follow the ship’s schedule.

(2) Landing at Tyre. The group landed at Tyre about five days later. “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.” This ship navigated along the southern side of the island of Cyprus. (a) The island of Cyprus was Barnabas’s homeland and the first destination of Paul’s first missionary journey. As Paul gazed at the silhouette of the island, he likely reflected on his missionary efforts and the grace of the Lord he had experienced thus far. (b) Though Cyprus was a place filled with memories, but did not stop there this time. He was in a hurry to reach his destination.

(3) Stay in Tyre. (a) The ship stopped at Tyre to unload its cargo. Although Paul was in a hurry, he had no control over the travel schedule. (b) Paul had previously stayed in Troas for seven days, and his seven-day stay in Tyre was likely for the same reason. (c) However, Paul made effective use of the days the ship was docked. His fellowship with the brothers in Tyre turned out to be an unexpected blessing.

Even in our daily lives, there are times when we are stalled by factors beyond our control. However, there is no need to struggle against such situations. Blessed are those who find the blessings God has prepared within the given conditions and time. Time management is important, but God’s time management brings blessings far beyond human understanding. Let us walk with an awareness of God’s timing.