When we had come to the end of those days, we departed and went on our way; and they all accompanied us, with wives and children, till we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. Acts 21:5

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The verbs of the verse are far different than those of the NKJV – “And when it was that we completed the days, having set out, we were going; they, accompanying us – with wives and children – as far as outside the city. And, having bowed the knees upon the shore, having prayed” (CG).

The previous verse noted the disciples repeatedly warning Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem. Despite that, his eyes were fixed and set for the journey. Therefore, Luke next records, “And when it was that we completed the days.”

Luke uses a word that is only found elsewhere in 2 Timothy 3:17 – exartizó. It means completely furnished or equipped. It is used to indicate the ending of the days of their stay. This would be the seven days noted in the previous verse. With the span of their stay now complete, and certainly because the ship they had booked passage on was now loaded and set to sail, it continues, saying, “having set out, we were going.”

The verb is imperfect. They started out, and they continued going, the destination of which will be noted at the end of the sentence. But the imperfect verb gives the sense of time and motion being stretched out. That then transfers to the emotions of the people who are faced with being parted when the going finally ends. From there, Luke explains the reason for this, saying,
“they, accompanying us.”

It is the disciples mentioned in the previous verse. Luke’s masterful way of describing the situation through the use of participles and various tenses brings us into the narrative with him. The disciples didn’t just say goodbye at the house, give them a hug, and wave as the missionaries left. Rather, they were there with them, accompanying them with each step. Luke is reminding the reader of the words just stated in the previous verse, “They told Paul through the Spirit not to go up to Jerusalem.”

They knew trouble lay ahead, and they wanted to share as much time as they could with him before he was gone, maybe forever. And more, as a touching note of how they esteemed him, it next says, “with wives and children.”

Along with the disciples came their entire families, even children, who are mentioned for the first time in the Christian church context. One can almost hear the conversation before they left. “This is a great man, willing to give everything for the cause of the Lord. Tomorrow, we will join him to the harbor and see him off.” And so, they accompanied them “as far as outside the city.”

It is probable that things were set up much like they are today. When one is getting on board a ship or an airplane, those with him can only go so far before there are customs agents, ticketing agents, etc. Whatever was set up for such travel, this would be the point where those with Paul and his team would have to stop and say their final words. Further, as is to be expected from such devoted people, it next says, “And, having bowed the knees upon the shore, having prayed.”

It would have been a beautiful sight to see. The missionaries, the disciples, and the accompanying wives and children all kneeling. Those who saw them probably took a moment to consider what they were seeing. If there were smartphones available at the time, everyone in sight would have them out to record what they were seeing.

In their kneeling, they lifted up their prayers to the Lord and readied themselves for the final parting. The plural pronouns used here appear to indicate that prayers were offered by a number of people, not just Paul. It is a very touching scene to contemplate. The ending of the verse seems incomplete because it finishes with an aorist participle. However, the next verse will continue with another verb. This will resolve the tension now being seen.

Life application: There are obviously times when it is not possible to make a wedding, a funeral, or a parting of company at the port of call. But when time permits, it is a good thing to participate in such things with those you know. If someone is in the hospital, make time to go visit. If you are not in the same town, order some flowers for the person. If someone has bought a new house, take them a “welcome to your new home” gift.

Such small things will go a long way with the people who are on the receiving end. So do your best to reach out and join with those you are close to. It shows an extra level of attention that is often lacking in our rushed, cold, and uncaring world today. These accounts in Scripture reveal to us a slower, more methodical approach to friendship that is comforting to the soul and worthy of emulation.

Glorious Heavenly Father, You have created us as social beings. We have needs and desires, as do those around us. Help us to be attentive to those who need a caring bit of hospitality. May we be willing to rejoice with those who are rejoicing, mourn with those who are mourning, and carry the burden of those whose loads are heavy. Help us to have these things in our minds as we interact with others. Amen.