Acts 16:11

KJV

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next [day] to Neapolis;

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore {G3767} loosing {G321} from {G575} Troas {G5174}, we came with a straight course {G2113} to {G1519} Samothracia {G4543}, and {G5037} the next {G1966} day to {G1519} Neapolis {G3496};

Complete Jewish Bible

Sailing from Troas, we made a straight run to Samothrace; the next day we went to Neapolis;

Berean Standard Bible

We sailed from Troas straight to Samothrace, and the following day on to Neapolis.

American Standard Version

Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 16:11 meticulously records a pivotal moment in Paul's second missionary journey, detailing the swift and divinely orchestrated sea voyage from Troas, a significant port city in Asia Minor, to Samothracia, and then to Neapolis. This brief verse marks the historic geographical transition of the Gospel from the Asian continent into Europe, directly following Paul's compelling Macedonian vision and the notable inclusion of Luke, the author, into the missionary party. It underscores God's precise guidance and the immediate obedience of His servants in expanding the reach of the nascent Christian faith.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the profound [Macedonian vision](/acts/16-9 "Acts 16:9 - Paul's Macedonian Vision"), where Paul received a direct divine summons to preach the Gospel in Macedonia. The opening word "Therefore" (Greek: _oûn_) establishes a direct causal link, indicating that the journey described in [Acts 16:11](/acts/16-11 "Acts 16:11 - Journey to Europe") is a direct, obedient response to that heavenly directive. Furthermore, [Acts 16:10](/acts/16-10 "Acts 16:10 - The 'We' Passages Begin") introduces the significant shift to the first-person plural pronoun "we," signifying that Luke, the author of Acts, joined Paul's missionary team at Troas, providing a firsthand, eyewitness account of the events that unfold from this point onward. This transition from Asia to Europe sets the stage for the evangelization of Philippi, as detailed in [Acts 16:12](/acts/16-12 "Acts 16:12 - Arrival in Philippi"), the first major European city to receive the Gospel.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Troas, located on the northwest coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), was a strategic Roman port city, serving as a gateway between Asia and Europe. Ancient sea travel was highly dependent on favorable winds and often involved "tacking" against headwinds or seeking shelter in bays. Samothracia, an island in the northern Aegean Sea, was a natural and common overnight stopping point for ships sailing from Troas to the Macedonian coast, providing a safe harbor. Neapolis (modern Kavala) was the primary seaport for Philippi, a prominent Roman colony inland, established by Augustus as a military outpost. The journey from Troas to Neapolis, typically taking several days due to the prevailing winds, is described as remarkably swift in this passage, highlighting a potentially supernatural element to their progress.

* **Key Themes:** The journey described in [Acts 16:11](/acts/16-11 "Acts 16:11 - The Gateway to Europe") is rich with theological and narrative themes. It powerfully illustrates **Divine Guidance and Providence**, as the "straight course" suggests an unimpeded and possibly supernaturally swift journey, highlighting God's clear direction and provision for the mission, echoing themes of divine leading seen throughout the book of Acts, such as in [Acts 8:26-40](/acts/8-26-40 "Acts 8:26-40 - Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch"). It also exemplifies **Obedience to God's Call**, as Paul and his team immediately acted upon the vision, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to follow God's leading, even into unfamiliar territories, mirroring the immediate obedience of early disciples in [Acts 5:29](/acts/5-29 "Acts 5:29 - Obedience to God, Not Man"). Most significantly, this journey marks the **Expansion of the Gospel**, representing the historic moment when the message of Christ officially crossed from Asia into Europe, initiating the spread of Christianity throughout the Western world, fulfilling the Great Commission found in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Finally, the inclusion of Luke signifies the importance of **Fellowship in Ministry** and diverse gifts within missionary work, providing an authoritative eyewitness account for future generations of believers.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Therefore (Greek, _oûn_):** This conjunctive particle serves as a strong logical connector, indicating that the subsequent action is a direct consequence or inference from what precedes it. In this context, it explicitly links the departure from Troas and the subsequent journey to Paul's obedience to the Macedonian vision received in [Acts 16:9-10](/acts/16-9-10 "Acts 16:9-10 - The Macedonian Call"). It emphasizes the divine impetus behind their movements.
* **straight course (Greek, _euthydroméō_):** Derived from _euthys_ (straight) and _dromos_ (a course or run), this verb literally means "to run straight" or "to have a straight run." In a maritime context, it implies sailing directly without deviation, typically facilitated by a strong, favorable wind. This term highlights the efficiency and directness of their journey, often interpreted as a sign of divine favor and supernatural assistance, contrasting with the often circuitous and challenging nature of ancient sea travel.
* **next (Greek, _epioûsa_):** This feminine singular participle, often used with the implied noun _hēméra_ (day) or _nyx_ (night), means "supervening" or "ensuing." Here, it specifically refers to "the ensuing day," indicating that the journey from Samothracia to Neapolis was completed on the very next day. This detail further underscores the remarkable swiftness of their voyage, reinforcing the notion of a divinely expedited passage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore loosing from Troas,"**: This clause signifies the immediate and decisive departure from Troas, a major port city. The term "loosing" (from the Greek _anágō_, meaning "to lead up, put to sea") refers to the act of setting sail, untying the ship from its moorings. The "Therefore" (Greek _oûn_) powerfully connects this action to the preceding divine call, emphasizing that their departure was an act of prompt obedience to God's clear directive to go to Macedonia.
* **"we came with a straight course to Samothracia,"**: This segment describes the first leg of their journey. The phrase "with a straight course" (Greek _euthydroméō_) is highly significant, implying a direct, unimpeded, and remarkably swift voyage. Given the typical challenges of ancient sea travel, this suggests favorable winds, possibly divinely provided, allowing them to reach Samothracia, an island in the northern Aegean Sea, in an unusually short time, likely within a single day. The inclusion of "we" here marks Luke's personal presence and eyewitness account.
* **"and the next [day] to Neapolis;"**: This final clause details the completion of their sea journey. After an overnight stop at Samothracia, they continued their "straight course" and arrived at Neapolis on the very next day. Neapolis was the port city that served Philippi, their ultimate destination in Macedonia. The rapid succession of these two legs of the journey—Troas to Samothracia, and then Samothracia to Neapolis on the following day—underscores the extraordinary speed and efficiency of their travel, further hinting at divine assistance in their mission.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's concise narrative in [Acts 16:11](/acts/16-11 "Acts 16:11 - The European Gateway") employs several literary devices to convey profound meaning. The most prominent is the **Narrative Shift** marked by the sudden appearance of the first-person plural pronoun "we" in [Acts 16:10](/acts/16-10 "Acts 16:10 - The 'We' Passages"), which continues into this verse. This shift transforms the narrative from a third-person account into an eyewitness testimony, lending immediate authenticity and vividness to the subsequent events. The phrase "with a straight course" functions as **Symbolism**, representing not merely efficient sailing but also divine favor and direct guidance. It implies that God Himself was clearing the path and providing the means for the Gospel to swiftly cross into Europe, making the journey a metaphor for the unimpeded progress of God's kingdom. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Conciseness** and **Understatement**, as Luke succinctly describes a journey of immense historical and spiritual significance—the very first entry of the Gospel into Europe—without elaborate detail, allowing the profound implications to resonate through the simple, factual reporting.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 16:11 is far more than a geographical itinerary; it is a theological statement on divine sovereignty, human obedience, and the unstoppable advance of God's redemptive plan. The "straight course" symbolizes God's direct hand in guiding His missionaries, ensuring that His will is accomplished with precision and speed. This journey represents a monumental shift in the trajectory of Christian evangelism, moving the epicenter of the Gospel's spread from its Jewish roots in the Middle East and its initial expansion in Asia Minor, to the heart of the Greco-Roman world in Europe. This divinely orchestrated pivot underscores the universal scope of the Gospel, intended for "every nation, tribe, people, and language," as prophesied throughout Scripture. It serves as a powerful reminder that God not only calls His servants but also provides the means, opens the doors, and smooths the path for the fulfillment of His global mission.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man")
* [Isaiah 55:11](/isaiah/55-11 "Isaiah 55:11 - God's Word Will Not Return Empty")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 16:11 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, emphasizing the importance of discerning and responding to God's clear leading. Just as Paul and his companions immediately embarked on a challenging journey into unknown territory, we are called to prompt and courageous obedience when God reveals His will. The "straight course" serves as an encouragement that when we align ourselves with God's purposes, He often provides favorable conditions, removes obstacles, and expedites our progress, even in seemingly impossible situations. This passage challenges us to consider where God might be calling us to step out in faith, whether it's into a new ministry, a difficult conversation, or a challenging life transition. It reminds us that our small acts of obedience, guided by God's Spirit, can have far-reaching, even historic, consequences for the Kingdom of God, contributing to His global plan to reach every corner of the earth with the transformative message of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where might God be calling me to take a "straight course" of obedience in my life right now, even if it feels like uncharted territory?**
* **How does the swiftness of this journey encourage my trust in God's provision and timing when I am pursuing His will?**
* **In what ways can I recognize and appreciate the "we" moments in my own spiritual journey, acknowledging the importance of fellowship and eyewitness accounts in my faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "straight course" mentioned in Acts 16:11?**

Answer: The "straight course" (Greek: _euthydroméō_) in [Acts 16:11](/acts/16-11 "Acts 16:11 - The Direct Voyage") is highly significant. In the context of ancient sea travel, ships often had to tack against prevailing winds or seek shelter, making direct voyages rare. Therefore, Luke's description of a "straight course" implies an unusually swift and unimpeded journey. Theologically, it is widely interpreted as a sign of divine favor and supernatural guidance. God was not only calling Paul and his team to Macedonia but was also actively clearing their path and providing the ideal conditions for their journey. It symbolizes the directness and efficiency with which God works when His servants are obedient to His call, ensuring the swift progress of the Gospel into new territories. This divine intervention underscores the momentousness of the mission—the first entry of the Christian message into Europe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 16:11, though narrating a physical journey, profoundly foreshadows and reflects the Christ-centered mission of God. The "straight course" taken by Paul and his companions from Asia to Europe is a powerful metaphor for the direct and unwavering path of Christ's redemptive work, from His incarnation to His crucifixion and resurrection. Just as God cleared the way for the Gospel to enter a new continent, so too did Christ, through His perfect obedience, clear the way for humanity's reconciliation with God, establishing a "new and living way" into the Father's presence ([Hebrews 10:19-20](/hebrews/10-19-20 "Hebrews 10:19-20 - The New and Living Way")). The expansion of the Gospel into Europe, initiated by this voyage, is a direct fulfillment of Christ's Great Commission to make disciples of all nations ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), demonstrating that His kingdom knows no geographical or cultural bounds. The immediate obedience of Paul's team mirrors Christ's own perfect obedience to the Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience")). Ultimately, this verse illustrates the unstoppable progress of the Gospel, empowered by the resurrected Christ, who continues to guide His church by His Spirit to the uttermost parts of the earth ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 21:1

¶ And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the [day] following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Acts 16:8

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.