And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
ACTS 27:5KJVWhat does Acts 27:5 mean?
Acts 27:5 describes how Paul and his companions sailed across the seas near Cilicia and Pamphylia and arrived at Myra, a city in the region of Lycia. This verse is part of the travel narrative detailing Paul’s journey as a prisoner toward Rome.
The speaker is Luke, writing as an eyewitness and companion of Paul. The verse gives a straightforward account of their route, mentioning specific regions and cities along the southern coast of what is now Turkey. This detail helps the reader follow the real, historical journey and sets the stage for the events that follow in Paul’s voyage.
The Greek behind Acts 27:5
- "Κατὰ" (kata, transliterated as "of" or "along"): In this context, this word often means "along" or "down through," helping to picture the route taken along the coasts of Cilicia and Pamphylia.
- "Μύρα" (Myra, transliterated as "Myra"): This name points to a well-known port city in Lycia, which was a common stop for ships heading west, showing the historical accuracy of the travel details.
Why Acts 27:5 matters
- Acts 27:5 grounds Paul’s journey in real geography, showing that the events took place in recognizable locations, which supports the historical reliability of the account.
- The verse helps the reader visualize the route and understand the challenges and logistics of ancient sea travel, making the later shipwreck story more vivid.
- By mentioning specific places, Acts 27:5 connects Paul’s story to the wider world of the Roman Empire, reminding readers that his mission and hardships happened in real time and space.