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 27:2KJV
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Acts 27:2 (KJV)

What does Acts 27:2 mean?

Acts 27:2 describes the start of Paul’s sea journey as a prisoner bound for Rome. The travelers board a vessel associated with Adramyttium and expect it to stop along the coast of the Roman province of Asia, in what is now western Turkey.

The narrator says “we,” placing himself among the travelers. Aristarchus is also named as a companion; he came from Thessalonica, a city in Macedonia.

The Greek behind Acts 27:2

  • “meaning” — μέλλω (mellō): The word can carry the sense of being about to do something. Here it points to the ship’s intended route, rather than saying the travelers had already sailed along that coast.
  • “coasts” — τόπος (topos): The word means a place or region. In this setting, it refers to places along Asia’s coast, suggesting stops rather than one continuous destination.

Why Acts 27:2 matters

  • The ship’s association with Adramyttium identifies the vessel, not necessarily the travelers’ final destination. The journey continues on another ship in Acts 27:6.
  • Aristarchus was not a new acquaintance of Paul. Acts 19:29 also identifies him as a Macedonian who was with Paul during unrest in Ephesus.

Where else these words appear

“sail” Greek G4126 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 8:23 But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy.
  • Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
  • Acts 27:6 And there the centurion found a ship of Alexandria sailing into Italy; and he put us therein.

“Aristarchus” Greek G708 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
  • Acts 20:4 And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
  • Colossians 4:10 Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,(touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

“Macedonian” Greek G3110 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 16:9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
  • Acts 19:29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
  • 2 Corinthians 9:2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked very many.

“entering” Greek G1910 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 21:5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass.
  • Acts 20:18 And when they were come to him, he said unto them, Ye know, from the first day that I came into Asia, after what manner I have been with you at all seasons,
  • Acts 21:6 And when we had taken our leave one of another, we took ship; and they returned home again.