But when our time there had ended, we set out on our journey. All the disciples, with their wives and children, accompanied us out of the city and knelt down on the beach to pray with us.
That the whole company, wives and children included, brought Paul out of the city shows both their genuine love for him and the honor due to an apostle. Luke reports it to commend their godliness and to prove that Paul sought no comfort for himself; such affection was temptation to stay, yet he went forward. Mark how weightier affairs stir the saints to solemn prayer, especially when God has warned them of danger ahead.
AI summary
Paul and the Ephesians parted like lovers torn apart by violence, neither willing but both forced to it. Yet Providence smiled on their voyage: winds favored them, they found a ship to Phoenicia waiting, and the whole journey fell out so perfectly timed that we must cry, God makes our way perfect.
AI summary
Commenting on Acts 21:1-7
Every disciple in Tyre, entire families in tow, escorted Paul through the streets to the shore, a public mark of affection and proof they were not ashamed of Christ or His ministers. They then knelt on the beach and prayed, following the Jewish custom of prayer at the seaside, a token of their deep respect for the apostle.
AI summary