And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

ACTS 27:5KJV
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Acts 27:5 (KJV)

What 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.

Where else these words appear

“sea” Greek G3989 · used in 2 verses

  • Matthew 18:6 But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

“Pamphylia” Greek G3828 · used in 5 verses

  • Acts 2:10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,
  • Acts 13:13 Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
  • Acts 14:24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

“Cilicia” Greek G2791 · used in 8 verses

  • Acts 6:9 Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.
  • Acts 15:41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.
  • Acts 22:3 I am verily a man which am a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as ye all are this day.

“came” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.