The Greek word ekpléō, represented by G1602, is a specific term used to mean to depart by ship. Formed from the words ἐκ (from) and πλέω (to sail), it appears 3 times across 3 unique verses in the Bible. Its usage is confined to the book of Acts, where it marks the beginning of a sea voyage.
In the biblical narrative, G1602 is used exclusively to describe the missionary travels of the apostles. In one instance, after a "sharp contention" between Paul and Barnabas, Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus G2954 Acts 15:39. The term is also used when Paul, after fulfilling a vow G2171 in Cenchrea G2747, sailed thence into Syria G4947 with Priscilla and Aquila Acts 18:18. Finally, it describes the departure of the author and his companions who sailed away from Philippi G5375 toward Troas G5174 Acts 20:6.
Several related words provide context for the journeys initiated by G1602:
- G3948 paroxysmós (incitement... or dispute): This word describes the "sharp contention" that directly led to Barnabas and Mark sailing to Cyprus Acts 15:39, showing that these departures were not always harmonious.
- G657 apotássomai (to say adieu... take leave): This action often precedes the departure. Paul took his leave of the brethren before he sailed for Syria, indicating a formal farewell Acts 18:18.
- G2954 Kýpros (Cyprus): This identifies a key destination. As an island in the Mediterranean, it was a region reached specifically by sea travel, such as when Barnabas sailed there Acts 15:39.
- G5375 Phílippoi (Philippi): This specifies a point of origin for a journey. The disciples sailed away from this place in Macedonia after observing the days of unleavened bread Acts 20:6.
The significance of G1602 lies in its role as a marker for key transitions in the early church's mission.
- Missionary Advancement: The act of sailing away propels the gospel into new territories. Paul's departure for Syria G4947 continues his planned missionary work Acts 18:18, and the voyage from Philippi to Troas G5174 is another step in that apostolic journey Acts 20:6.
- Providential Redirection: The departure of Barnabas and Mark for Cyprus G2954 was born from a dispute, yet it resulted in the creation of a separate missionary team, effectively broadening the reach of their ministry work Acts 15:39.
- Personal Faith: Paul's sailing in Acts 18:18 is immediately preceded by the fulfillment of a personal vow G2171, demonstrating how these larger missionary movements were intertwined with the individual piety and devotion of the apostles.
In summary, G1602 is more than a logistical term for travel. While it literally means to depart by ship, its use in the book of Acts chronicles pivotal moments in the expansion of the early church. It highlights how missionary journeys were initiated for strategic purposes, as a result of personal conviction, and even in the midst of interpersonal conflict, all of which were instrumental in the spread of the gospel throughout the Mediterranean world.
TRV