Acts 27:5

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G5037} when we had sailed over {G1277} the sea {G3989} of {G2596} Cilicia {G2791} and {G2532} Pamphylia {G3828}, we came {G2718} to {G1519} Myra {G3460}, a city of Lycia {G3073}.

Complete Jewish Bible

then across the open sea along the coasts of Cilicia and Pamphylia; and so we reached Myra in Lycia.

Berean Standard Bible

And when we had sailed across the open sea off the coast of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia.

American Standard Version

And when we had sailed across the sea which is off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Acts 27:5 meticulously details a crucial segment of Paul's arduous sea voyage to Rome, describing the ship's passage through the waters off the southern coast of Asia Minor, specifically the seas of Cilicia and Pamphylia, before arriving at the significant port city of Myra in Lycia. This verse, though brief, underscores Luke's commitment to historical and geographical accuracy, providing a precise navigational update within the unfolding narrative of God's providential guidance for Paul's mission.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Acts 27:5 is an integral part of Luke's detailed account of Paul's journey to Rome as a prisoner, commencing in [Acts 27:1](/acts/27-1 "Acts 27:1 - Paul's Journey to Rome Begins"). The preceding verses establish the initial stages of the voyage: sailing from Caesarea to Sidon ([Acts 27:3](/acts/27-3 "Acts 27:3 - Paul's Stop in Sidon")), and then, due to unfavorable winds, sailing under the lee of Cyprus ([Acts 27:4](/acts/27-4 "Acts 27:4 - Sailing under the lee of Cyprus")). Verse 5 continues this geographical progression, marking the ship's movement along the southern coast of Asia Minor. The arrival at Myra in this verse sets the stage for the critical ship transfer described in [Acts 27:6](/acts/27-6 "Acts 27:6 - Transfer to an Alexandrian Ship"), which then leads to the more perilous leg of the journey and the subsequent shipwreck.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Roman Empire relied heavily on maritime trade and travel, especially across the Mediterranean. The route described in Acts 27 was a well-established shipping lane. Cilicia and Pamphylia were Roman provinces in Asia Minor, their coastlines forming a natural passage for ships heading west. Myra, located in the province of Lycia, was a significant port city, renowned for its excellent harbor and strategic position. It served as a vital transit point, particularly for large grain ships from Alexandria (Egypt) bound for Rome, as these ships often needed to transfer cargo or passengers. The mention of these specific locations not only attests to Luke's eyewitness account but also highlights the common maritime practices of the era, where ships would hug coastlines when possible and utilize major ports for resupply or transfer, especially when facing adverse weather conditions.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Acts. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating how God's plan for Paul to reach Rome ([Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul")) unfolds through seemingly ordinary human circumstances and geographical movements. Secondly, it highlights **Luke's Meticulous Historical Accuracy**, as he provides precise geographical details that have been corroborated by historical and archaeological evidence, lending credibility to the entire narrative of the early church. Finally, the journey itself, with its various stages and challenges, serves as a metaphor for the **Spread of the Gospel**—a mission that involves navigating diverse regions and overcoming obstacles to reach its ultimate destination, echoing the Great Commission found in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sailed over (Greek, _diapléō'_):** From `diá` (through) and `pléō` (to sail), this verb literally means "to sail through" or "to sail across." In this context, it describes the act of traversing the open sea, indicating a continuous movement across the specified waters of Cilicia and Pamphylia. It emphasizes the completion of a particular segment of the journey, signifying progress despite potential maritime challenges.
* **came to (Greek, _katérchomai'_):** Derived from `katá` (down) and `érchomai` (to come or go), this verb means "to come down," "to descend," or "to arrive." When used in a maritime context, it specifically refers to "landing" or "reaching port." Its use here precisely conveys the act of the ship making port at Myra, marking the end of the previous leg and the beginning of a new phase of the journey.
* **to (Greek, _eis'_):** This primary preposition indicates direction "to" or "into," signifying the point reached or entered. In Acts 27:5, `eis Myra` clearly denotes the destination of the ship's movement, emphasizing the arrival at Myra as the specific objective of this stage of the voyage. It highlights the precise geographical endpoint of their sailing.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia":** This clause describes the nautical action and the geographical region traversed. "We" refers to Luke, Paul, and their companions, indicating an eyewitness account. The "sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia" refers to the waters bordering these two Roman provinces on the southern coast of Asia Minor, signifying a westward progression from their previous position near Cyprus. The act of "sailing over" implies a continuous journey across these open waters.
* **"we came to Myra, [a city] of Lycia.":** This clause states the successful arrival at a significant port. Myra was a prominent city and a major harbor in the Roman province of Lycia, known for being a transfer point for larger ships. The use of "came to" (katérchomai) specifically denotes landing or making port, indicating a temporary halt in their journey. This detail is crucial as it sets the scene for the next significant event: finding a ship bound for Italy.

#### Literary Devices
Luke's narrative in Acts 27:5 employs several literary devices that enhance its impact and credibility. The most prominent is **Geographical Precision**, where Luke meticulously names specific regions (Cilicia, Pamphylia, Lycia) and a city (Myra). This attention to detail is characteristic of Luke's writing, lending an air of authenticity and historical reliability to his account, akin to a travelogue. This precision also contributes to **Verisimilitude**, making the events feel real and grounded in actual historical geography. Furthermore, the verse functions as a point of **Narrative Progression**, marking a distinct stage in Paul's journey. It moves the plot forward from the initial departure and difficult sailing conditions to a specific, identifiable waypoint, essential for the subsequent events of the voyage.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Acts 27:5, while seemingly a simple geographical notation, subtly reinforces the overarching biblical theme of God's sovereign hand guiding His servants through all circumstances. Paul's journey, though under duress, is not random but purposeful, aligning with God's divine plan for the gospel to reach Rome. This verse, therefore, speaks to the truth that even in the mundane or challenging details of life's "journeys," God is at work, orchestrating events and directing paths to fulfill His greater purposes. It reminds us that our destinations, even when reached through unexpected routes, are often part of a larger divine design.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work Together for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The seemingly ordinary details of Acts 27:5 invite us to reflect on the extraordinary truth of God's presence and purpose in every step of our lives. Just as Paul's journey, fraught with uncertainty and constraint, was meticulously guided by divine providence, so too are our own paths, whether we perceive them as significant or mundane. This verse encourages us to cultivate an awareness of God's hand in our "transitions" and "arrivals," recognizing that even detours or necessary stops are part of His larger design. It challenges us to trust that our current location, our past journey, and our future direction are all held within His wise and loving plan, even when the next port is unclear. We are called to embrace each stage, trusting that God is working all things for our good and for the advancement of His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does recognizing God's sovereignty over geographical details in Scripture encourage you about His control over the "geography" of your own life?**
* **In what "transitions" or "stops" in your life have you seen God's guiding hand, even if it was only clear in retrospect?**
* **How can meticulous attention to detail, like Luke's, inspire us to be more observant and appreciative of God's work in our daily lives?**

### FAQ

**Why does Luke include such specific geographical details in Acts 27:5 and throughout the journey narrative?**

Answer: Luke, as a meticulous historian and likely an eyewitness to much of Paul's journey, includes these specific geographical details for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it lends **historical credibility and authenticity** to his account, demonstrating that these events occurred in real places at a specific time. This level of detail was common in ancient travelogues and served to ground the narrative in verifiable reality. Secondly, these details are **narratively significant**, providing context for the challenges faced (like adverse winds) and explaining the practical logistics of ancient sea travel, such as the need for port calls and ship transfers. Finally, it underscores the **divine orchestration** of the journey; every stop and every route taken, though seemingly dictated by human circumstances or natural forces, ultimately served God's purpose in bringing Paul to Rome to bear witness to Christ, as promised in [Acts 23:11](/acts/23-11 "Acts 23:11 - God's Promise to Paul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Acts 27:5 is a descriptive verse concerning Paul's physical journey, it finds its Christ-centered fulfillment in the broader narrative of the gospel's unstoppable advance, mirroring Christ's own mission and the journey of salvation. Paul's forced voyage to Rome, through specific geographical points like Myra, symbolizes the way the Good News of Jesus Christ was destined to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the earth, as prophesied by Christ Himself in [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - The Great Commission"). Just as Paul's path was providentially guided to bring the message to the heart of the Roman Empire, so too was Christ's earthly journey meticulously planned, from His birth in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Christ's Birthplace")) to His crucifixion in Jerusalem, ultimately leading to His resurrection and the commissioning of His disciples to carry His message globally ([Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19-20 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")). The "arrival" at Myra foreshadows the ultimate arrival of the gospel in every nation, facilitated by the Spirit-empowered journeys of believers, all pointing back to the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, Truth, and Life")), and the ultimate destination of all spiritual journeys.

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 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 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 2:10

Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes,

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.

Acts 15:23

And they wrote [letters] by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren [send] greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia:

Acts 15:38

But Paul thought not good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and went not with them to the work.

Acts 21:39

But Paul said, I am a man [which am] a Jew of Tarsus, [a city] in Cilicia, a citizen of no mean city: and, I beseech thee, suffer me to speak unto the people.