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.

And {G1161} entering {G1910} into a ship {G4143} of Adramyttium {G98}, we launched {G321}, meaning {G3195} to sail {G4126} by {G2596} the coasts {G5117} of Asia {G773}; one Aristarchus {G708}, a Macedonian {G3110} of Thessalonica {G2331}, being {G5607} with {G4862} us {G2254}.

We embarked in a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Acts 27:2 marks the very beginning of the perilous sea voyage that will take Paul from Caesarea to Rome. Having appealed to Caesar, he is now being transported as a prisoner, but under guard rather than in chains, allowing him some freedom.

Context

This verse opens the detailed account of Paul's journey to Rome, which occupies the entirety of Acts chapter 27 and concludes with his arrival in chapter 28. Paul, having been imprisoned in Caesarea for two years (Acts 24:27), is handed over to a centurion named Julius. The verse describes the specific ship they boarded, its origin, and their initial intended route.

Key Themes

  • The Start of a Significant Journey: This verse initiates the narrative of Paul's voyage to Rome, a crucial event for the spread of the Gospel to the capital of the Roman Empire.
  • Companionship in Adversity: The presence of Aristarchus highlights the loyalty and support Paul received from fellow believers, even during his imprisonment and dangerous travels.
  • Divine Guidance Amidst Human Plans: The phrase "meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia" indicates the initial human intention for the route, which would later be dramatically altered by circumstances (like storms), underscoring the theme of God's ultimate direction over human plans.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "meaning to sail" (Greek: mellontes dein) suggests a planned or intended course of travel along the coast of Asia Minor. This initial plan contrasts sharply with the difficult and unplanned route the ship was later forced to take due to weather conditions.

Historical/Cultural Context

Adramyttium was a significant port city on the coast of Mysia in Asia Minor, near the ancient city of Pergamum. Ships from such ports regularly sailed routes throughout the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. Coastal sailing was often preferred when possible, as it allowed ships to stay closer to land for safety and shelter, although longer, more direct routes across open water were also common depending on the season and winds.

Notable Individuals

Aristarchus is mentioned as being with Paul. He was a Macedonian from Thessalonica and a faithful companion of Paul, having shared in his ministry and even faced persecution alongside him (Acts 19:29). His presence on this voyage, despite Paul being a prisoner, speaks to his dedication and commitment to the apostle and the Gospel. He is also mentioned in other epistles, such as Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24.

Reflection

Acts 27:2 reminds us that even when embarking on journeys under difficult circumstances (like being a prisoner), God often provides companions. It also shows that while we may set out with a specific plan ("meaning to sail by the coasts"), God's providence can redirect our path, sometimes through unexpected challenges. The faithfulness of individuals like Aristarchus serves as an example of steadfast loyalty and commitment in supporting others, even when it involves hardship.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

  • Philemon 1:24

    Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

  • 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;)

  • 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 21:5

    And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

  • Acts 19:19

    Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them before all [men]: and they counted the price of them, and found [it] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver.

  • 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.

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