Daily Devotional for Monday, April 10

Paul in Tyre

“And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way,” Acts 21:5.

Paul’s departure from Miletus was heart-wrenching for him and the believers he left on the shore. Everyone knew they would not see Paul again. He pressed on toward Jerusalem to deliver the offering for the believers and fulfill the Spirit’s call.
In verses 1-3, Luke used proper nautical terms to detail their voyage. His record of hugging the coastline aligns with merchant ship routes which made many stops and took much time. Paul’s group found a ship sailing across open waters skirting the south side of Cyprus over to Phoenicia. This was much faster and saved Paul considerable time.
Arriving at Tyre, Luke recorded their first action of finding believers. It is unknown if any of Paul’s crew knew anyone in Tyre, but a Jewish and Christian custom was to take in traveling brethren. Jews and Christians could expect hospitality extended from fellow God-fearers. It was a cultural requirement to care for your own, and one would be honored in return. Inns were often sketchy establishments and doubled as brothels, so accommodations at a fellow-Christian’s home was desired.
Among our ABA mission community, there is a hospitality list—a list of places for missionary families to stay while on deputation. What a blessing! Families and churches within our association provide lodging for missionaries visiting churches and raising support. Their accommodations truly help missionary families.
Paul and company stayed seven days in Tyre. On a tight schedule, this seems lengthy. Perhaps they made good time on the journey, as Luke’s account implies, so they could stay a few days and encourage the believers in Tyre. After all the travel, this probably did Paul’s missionary heart good. Through the Spirit, the believers in Tyre urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem. They and Paul knew he would suffer in Jerusalem, but the Spirit still propelled Paul forward. After another sad goodbye, Paul and company set sail again.

THOUGHT: Missionary life is rich but full of goodbyes. Pray for missionaries!

Kelli Reynolds