Acts 21:6-10

Acts 21:6 (KJB)

And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.

After the shore prayer meeting ended, they had departed from each other, the believers went back to their homes again and Paul then entered into another ship to continue his journey. At Tyre, the church there seemed to be a unified group plus there was maturity shown. That may be why he stayed only seven days because he saw these traits in that church. They may have been a small assembly but they were an organized assembly.

Acts 21:7 (KJB)

And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and saluted the brethren, and abode with them one day.

Paul then got on a boat taking him from Tyre to Ptolemais which was about 25 miles (40 km) south of Tyre. Ptolemais is the Old Testament town of Accho as found in Judges 1:31. (Judg 1:31 KJV) Neither did Asher drive out the inhabitants of Accho, nor the inhabitants of Zidon, nor of Ahlab, nor of Achzib, nor of Helbah, nor of Aphik, nor of Rehob: After the conquest of Canaan by Joshua, this city was given to the tribe of Asher. About 200 B.C. the name was changed to Ptolemais, probably in honor of Ptolemy of Philadelphus (285-246 B.C.). By the time of Paul’s visit, there was a well-established church where Paul was able to abide with them for only one day.

Acts 21:8 (KJB)

And the next day we that were of Paul's company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.

Luke then states that they which were of Paul’s company, including himself, that they went from Ptolemias to Caesarea. Philip the evangelist must have been blessed mightily by God since he was able to have Paul and his company stay with him. Philip, as you may recall, was one of the seven Deacons who served in the church of Jerusalem. (Acts 6:5 KJV) And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch: His home may have been the chief Christian center in Caesarea and a group of believers met there.

Acts 21:9 (KJB)

And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.

Philip was the father of four daughters who were not married and they may have devoted themselves to the ministry full time. In those days, it was uncommon for women to be unmarried which means they dedicated themselves fully to the ministry as they prophesied words from the Lord. Normally, the father would have arranged marriages for his daughters, but here he is showing more concern for his daughters that they follow the leading of the Lord rather than marriage or tradition. The type of prophecy they spoke was the type which foretold events and spoken by divine inspiration. This verse is also a fulfillment of what Joel wrote in his prophecy. (Joel 2:28 KJV) And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: According to Eusebius, who quotes Papias that these four daughters of Phillip had moved to Asia and lived long lives as they continued to minister. Papias was a second century bishop in the early church. He was born before 70 A.D. and died around 155 A.D. in Smyrna. Eusebius called him “Bishop of Hierapolis.”

Acts 21:10 (KJB)

And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.

Here Paul found such great fellowship that he was able to stay for many days. He probably found much enjoyment and blessing from the ministry of the four daughters. True prophesying brings great edification, especially at this time before the Bible was completed. (1 Cor 14:3 KJV) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. The type of prophecy Philips daughters spoke was nowhere near the gibberish and foolishness which is spewed forth every Sunday in charismatic churches. Since the Bible was completed, there is no need for any additional prophecy since the canon was complete in 95 A.D. with the book of Revelation. While Paul was staying with Philip, a prophet named Agabus had come from Judaea. (Acts 11:28 KJV) And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the Spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. Some believe that these are two different men, with the same name, having the gift of prophecy, but whether they are the same man or not, Agabus was about to prophesy about Paul.