Acts 16:11 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:11 mean?

Acts 16:11 describes how Paul and his companions set sail from the city of Troas and traveled directly to the island of Samothracia, then continued the next day to the city of Neapolis. This verse gives a straightforward account of their travel route as they journeyed into Macedonia.

The speaker is Luke, narrating the missionary journey of Paul and his team as they respond to a vision calling them to preach in Macedonia. The verse highlights the specific path they took, showing the deliberate and purposeful movement of the group as they followed what they believed was God’s leading. Naming these locations helps the reader trace their journey and understand the historical and geographical context of their mission.

The Greek behind Acts 16:11

• "loosing" (ἀναχθέντες, transliterated as anachthentes): This Greek word often means "setting sail" or "putting out to sea." It emphasizes the start of a sea voyage, not just leaving a place in general.
• "with a straight course" (εὐθυδρομήσαμεν, transliterated as euthydromēsamen): This word means "to sail straight" or "to make a direct voyage." It suggests that the journey from Troas to Samothracia was quick and without detour, indicating favorable conditions or urgency.
• "Samothracia" (Σαμοθρᾴκην, transliterated as Samothrakēn) and "Neapolis" (Νεάπολιν, transliterated as Neapolin): These are real, historical locations. Mentioning them grounds the narrative in actual geography, showing the route into Europe.

Why Acts 16:11 matters

• Acts 16:11 helps readers follow the exact route Paul and his companions took, which is important for understanding how the gospel spread from Asia into Europe.
• The mention of a "straight course" suggests that their journey was unusually smooth, possibly seen as a sign of divine favor or guidance.
• This verse marks the beginning of a significant new phase in Paul's mission, as he enters Macedonia for the first time, which leads to the founding of important churches in cities like Philippi.