Acts 21:1

KJV

¶ 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:

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} it came to pass {G1096}, that after {G5613} we {G2248} were gotten {G645} from {G575} them {G846}, and had launched {G321}, we came {G2064} with a straight course {G2113} unto {G1519} Coos {G2972}, and {G1161} the day following {G1836} unto {G1519} Rhodes {G4499}, and from thence {G2547} unto {G1519} Patara {G3959}:

Complete Jewish Bible

After we had torn ourselves away from the Ephesian elders, we set sail and made a straight run to Cos. The next day we went to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

Berean Standard Bible

After we had torn ourselves away from them, we sailed directly to Cos, and the next day on to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

American Standard Version

And when it came to pass that we were parted from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course unto Cos, and the next day unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 21:1 initiates the final leg of the Apostle Paul's third missionary journey, detailing his departure from Miletus and the initial stages of his sea voyage towards Jerusalem. This verse, characteristic of Luke's meticulous historical reporting, identifies the specific islands and port cities—Coos, Rhodes, and Patara—that Paul and his companions visited, marking a direct and purposeful progression toward his destined encounter in the Jewish capital.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows Paul's deeply emotional and prophetic farewell to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, recorded in [Acts 20:17-38](/acts/20-17-38 "Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders"). The phrase "after we were gotten from them" directly refers to this poignant separation, highlighting the personal cost of Paul's unwavering commitment to his mission. The inclusion of the pronoun "we" signifies the presence of the author, Luke, with Paul, a hallmark of the "we-passages" that begin earlier in the narrative, such as in [Acts 16:10](/acts/16-10 "The Macedonian Call and the 'We' Sections Begin"). Paul's journey is not aimless; he is resolutely heading towards Jerusalem, fully aware of the imprisonment and afflictions that await him there, as he has already declared under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in [Acts 20:22-23](/acts/20-22-23 "Paul's Prophecy of Chains and Afflictions in Jerusalem"). This verse, therefore, serves as a geographical and narrative bridge, moving the story from the heartfelt goodbyes in Asia Minor to the inevitable confrontations in Judea.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's journey reflects typical ancient maritime travel patterns. Ships relied heavily on prevailing winds, and sailing routes often hugged coastlines or hopped between islands to find safe harbors for the night or to avoid open-sea dangers. Coos (modern Kos) and Rhodes (modern Rodos) were significant islands in the Aegean Sea, serving as crucial waypoints for trade and travel between Asia Minor and the Mediterranean. Rhodes, in particular, was a major naval and commercial center, famous for the Colossus of Rhodes. Patara, a port city on the southwest coast of Lycia (modern Turkey), was a common transit point where travelers would often transfer to larger ships heading directly to Phoenicia or Egypt, and from there to Judea. The "straight course" mentioned implies favorable winds, which were essential for efficient travel in an era without modern propulsion. This detail underscores the practical realities of ancient voyages and subtly hints at divine favor.
* **Key Themes:** Paul's journey embodies several significant themes. First, **Determined Progress** is evident in his unwavering commitment to reach Jerusalem despite emotional goodbyes and prophetic warnings. This steadfastness highlights his dedication to his divine mission, echoing his powerful declaration in [Acts 20:24](/acts/20-24 "Paul's Resolve to Finish His Course with Joy") that he considers his life of no value if he does not complete the task the Lord Jesus has given him. Second, the phrase "came with a straight course" suggests **Divine Providence in Travel**. While not explicitly miraculous, the favorable winds and unimpeded voyage imply God's guidance and provision, demonstrating His involvement even in the practicalities of ancient sea travel. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of God directing the steps of His servants, as seen in [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps"). Third, Luke's meticulous detail in listing specific islands and the port city underscores the **Historical Accuracy** of the New Testament accounts. This geographical precision offers a vivid, verifiable glimpse into the travel routes and logistical realities of the ancient world, lending credibility to the entire narrative of [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **And (Greek, _dé'_):** This primary particle serves as a conjunction, often translated as "but," "and," or "moreover." In Acts 21:1, it functions as a continuative, linking the events of this verse to the preceding narrative of Paul's departure from the Ephesian elders. It signals a progression in the journey, indicating that the narrative is moving forward from one significant event to the next.
* **it came to pass (Greek, _gínomai'_):** This verb, meaning "to cause to be" or "to become," is used with great latitude to describe events coming into being, happening, or occurring. Here, it functions as a common narrative transition, emphasizing the unfolding of events in the journey. It denotes the simple occurrence of the voyage's next stage, rather than implying a miraculous intervention, though divine orchestration is often understood within Luke's broader theological framework.
* **straight course (Greek, _euthydroméō'_):** Derived from "straight" (euthys) and "run" (dromos), this verb specifically means "to lay a straight course" or "to sail direct." In a maritime context, it signifies a swift, unimpeded, and favorable voyage, likely due to good winds or currents. It contrasts with a journey hindered by adverse conditions, suggesting an efficient and perhaps divinely blessed passage.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them,"**: This clause marks the immediate aftermath of Paul's emotional farewell to the Ephesian elders in Miletus. The phrase "gotten from them" underscores the physical separation following the deep spiritual bond and prophetic warnings shared in the previous chapter. The "we" indicates Luke's continued presence with Paul, reinforcing the eyewitness nature of this portion of the narrative.
* **"and had launched,"**: This signifies the act of setting sail, departing from the harbor at Miletus. It marks the formal commencement of the sea voyage, transitioning from the land-based interactions to the maritime leg of the journey.
* **"we came with a straight course unto Coos,"**: This describes the first leg of their voyage, noting a direct and favorable passage to the island of Coos. The "straight course" (euthydroméō) implies good sailing conditions, allowing for efficient travel without detours or delays caused by contrary winds. Coos was a common and logical first stop on this route.
* **"and the [day] following unto Rhodes,"**: This indicates their next destination, the island of Rhodes, reached on the day immediately succeeding their arrival at Coos. This detail highlights the typical ancient practice of sailing during the day and anchoring at night, and the relatively short distance between these two islands. Rhodes was a major maritime hub, making it a natural stop.
* **"and from thence unto Patara:"**: This final clause of the verse specifies their third stop, the port city of Patara on the mainland of Lycia. From Patara, Paul and his companions would typically seek a larger vessel for the longer, open-sea journey directly to Phoenicia or Egypt, which would then lead them closer to Jerusalem. This sequence of locations precisely maps out a common and efficient ancient trade route.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 21:1 skillfully employs **Geographical Precision** and **Verisimilitude**. The meticulous naming of specific islands (Coos, Rhodes) and the port city (Patara) is not merely incidental but serves to ground the spiritual and theological narrative in concrete, verifiable reality. This detailed mapping of Paul's journey enhances the **Verisimilitude** of the account, making it feel authentic and historically reliable. It allows the reader to trace Paul's physical movements, thereby reinforcing the factual basis of the events described. Furthermore, the phrase "came with a straight course" functions as a subtle form of **Understatement** or **Implication**, suggesting divine favor without explicitly stating a miracle. It implies that God's providence was at work, providing favorable conditions for Paul's progress, even in the seemingly mundane details of travel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 21:1, while seemingly a simple navigational report, carries profound theological implications. It underscores God's meticulous providence, not just in grand miraculous interventions, but also in the mundane details of daily life and travel. Paul's determined journey, despite the emotional farewells and forewarnings of suffering, exemplifies a commitment to divine calling that transcends personal comfort or fear. This steadfastness, facilitated by "a straight course," suggests that God orchestrates circumstances—even natural phenomena like winds—to advance His purposes and protect His servants. It reminds believers that God's sovereignty extends to every aspect of our lives, guiding our paths and providing the necessary conditions for us to fulfill our callings, even when the destination promises hardship.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with All Your Heart") - "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
* [Philippians 3:13-14](/philippians/3-13-14 "Pressing On Toward the Goal") - "Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
* [James 4:13-15](/james/4-13-15 "Boasting About Tomorrow") - "Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Acts 21:1, though brief, offers a powerful testament to the nature of faithful discipleship. Paul's journey, marked by both emotional goodbyes and a clear sense of purpose, reminds us that following God's call often involves pressing forward through challenging transitions and uncertain futures. The "straight course" he experienced can be a metaphor for the divine enablement we receive when we are aligned with God's will. It encourages us to trust that even in the practical, seemingly ordinary aspects of our lives—our daily commutes, our work projects, our family routines—God is at work, orchestrating details for His glory and our good. This verse invites us to cultivate a mindset of perseverance, to remain focused on the path God has set before us, and to recognize His hand in the mundane as much as in the miraculous. It challenges us to embrace the journey with a determined spirit, knowing that our ultimate destination is in His sovereign hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your life are you being called to "press on" despite emotional goodbyes or anticipated difficulties?**
* **How can recognizing God's providence in the "straight courses" (or even the detours) of your daily life deepen your trust in Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to align your plans more closely with God's revealed will, acknowledging His sovereignty over your path?**
* **In what ways does Luke's historical precision in this verse strengthen your confidence in the reliability of the biblical narrative as a whole?**

### FAQ
**Why does Luke include such specific geographical details in his narrative?**

Answer: Luke's inclusion of specific geographical details, such as Coos, Rhodes, and Patara, serves multiple crucial purposes. First, it underscores the **historical reliability** of his account. By naming real places and describing a plausible travel route, Luke grounds the narrative in verifiable reality, inviting readers to see the events of Acts not as myth but as actual history. Second, it provides **narrative realism**, allowing readers to visualize Paul's arduous journeys and appreciate the physical demands of ancient missionary work. Third, these details often imply **divine providence**, as favorable travel conditions (like a "straight course") were not guaranteed in ancient sea travel and could be seen as God's hand guiding His servant. Finally, it reinforces the **authenticity of the "we-passages,"** as such precise details would naturally come from an eyewitness like Luke, who was present on these legs of the journey. These details contribute to the overall credibility and richness of [the book of Acts](/acts/1 "The Book of Acts - The Acts of the Apostles").

**What is the significance of the phrase "came with a straight course"?**

Answer: The phrase "came with a straight course" (Greek: _euthydroméō_) is significant in a maritime context. It literally means "to run straight" or "to sail directly." In ancient sailing, which was heavily dependent on winds and currents, achieving a "straight course" implied favorable conditions, such as a steady following wind, that allowed the ship to proceed efficiently without tacking or being driven off course. Theologically, while not explicitly stated as a miracle, this detail often subtly points to **divine favor and guidance**. It suggests that God was providing optimal conditions for Paul's journey, enabling him to reach his destinations without unnecessary delay or hardship. This aligns with the broader theme in [the Bible](/bible "The Holy Bible") of God guiding the steps of His faithful servants, even in the practicalities of their travel and daily lives, ensuring they arrive where He intends for His purposes to be fulfilled.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Acts 21:1, depicting Paul's resolute and divinely guided journey towards Jerusalem, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the unwavering determination of Jesus Himself to complete His redemptive mission. Just as Paul "came with a straight course" towards a city where he knew suffering awaited him, so too did Jesus set His face "steadfastly to go to Jerusalem" ([Luke 9:51](/luke/9-51 "Jesus Sets His Face Toward Jerusalem")), fully aware of the cross that lay ahead. Paul's journey, facilitated by God's providence, mirrors the perfect, unimpeded path of Christ, who, though facing immense opposition, never deviated from the Father's will to accomplish salvation. The "straight course" can be seen as a foreshadowing of the perfect, unswerving obedience of the Son, who "humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross" ([Philippians 2:8](/phillipians/2-8 "Christ's Humility and Obedience")). Paul's mission to preach the gospel, even through hardship, directly flows from the finished work of Christ, who, by His death and resurrection, secured the very message Paul was compelled to deliver to the nations. Thus, this seemingly simple travelogue points to the greater journey of Christ, whose purposeful life, death, and resurrection provide the foundation and power for all faithful Christian endeavor, enabling believers to run their own "straight course" in service to His kingdom ([Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1-2 "Running the Race with Perseverance")).

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

1 Thessalonians 2:17

¶ But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Luke 5:4

Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.

Luke 8:22

¶ Now it came to pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples: and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake. And they launched forth.

Acts 16:10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 16:11

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

Acts 27:2

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 20:37

And they all wept sore, and fell on Paul's neck, and kissed him,