And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
ACTS 27:2KJVWhat does Acts 27:2 mean?
Acts 27:2 describes Paul and his companions boarding a ship from Adramyttium to begin their journey, planning to sail along the coast of Asia, with a man named Aristarchus from Thessalonica traveling with them. This verse sets the stage for the voyage that will eventually take Paul to Rome.
The verse is part of a travel narrative written by Luke, who is accompanying Paul as he is transported as a prisoner. The mention of Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, highlights that Paul was not alone—he had faithful companions with him. The ship from Adramyttium was a common coastal vessel, and the route along Asia’s coast was a typical path for such journeys in the Roman world.
The Greek behind Acts 27:2
- Ἀδραμυττίου (Adramyttium, transliterated "Adramyttium") refers to a port city in Asia Minor, showing the ship’s home port and likely its intended route along the Asian coast.
- πλεῖν (plein, from G4126, "to sail") is used here to indicate the act of traveling by sea, emphasizing that this was a planned, purposeful journey rather than a random departure.
- Ἀρίσταρχος (Aristarchos, "Aristarchus") is specifically named, underlining his importance as a companion and possibly as a witness to the events that would follow.
Why Acts 27:2 matters
- This verse clarifies that Paul’s journey to Rome was not a solitary ordeal; he was accompanied by trusted friends, which adds a human dimension to the story.
- The detail about the ship’s origin and route helps readers understand the historical and geographical setting, grounding the narrative in real-world travel practices of the time.
- By naming Aristarchus, Acts 27:2 connects this voyage to earlier parts of Acts where Aristarchus appears, showing continuity and the ongoing support Paul received from fellow believers.