Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 21:1

"And when it came to pass that were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:" — Acts 21:1 (ASV)

CHAPTER 21

After we were gotten from them. After we had left the elders at Miletus (Acts 20:38). They were on their way to Jerusalem.

Unto Coos. This was a small island in the Grecian Archipelago, a short distance from the south-western point of Asia Minor. It is now called Stan-co. It was celebrated for its fertility, and for the wine and silk-worms which it produced.

Unto Rhodes. This was an island in the Levant. On the island was a city of the same name, principally distinguished for its brazen Colossus, built by Chares of Lyndus. It stood across the mouth of the harbour and was so high that vessels could pass between its legs.

The Colossus stood for fifty-six years and was then thrown down by an earthquake. It was considered one of the seven wonders of the world. When the Saracens took possession of this island, they sold this prostrate image to a Jew, who loaded 900 camels with its brass. This occurred in A.D. 600, about 900 years after it had been thrown down.

The ancient name of the island was Asteria. Its name Rhodes was given because of the great quantity of roses it produced.

Unto Patara. This was a maritime city of Lycia, in Asia Minor, opposite Rhodes.