The Greek word apopléō, represented by G636, is a specific term that means to set sail or sail away. It is a compound word derived from ἀπό (implying separation) and πλέω (to sail). It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible, exclusively within the book of Acts to describe the physical act of departing by sea.
In the biblical narrative, G636 is consistently used to mark the beginning of a sea voyage within the context of the apostles' missionary work. It describes Paul and his companions being "sent forth by the Holy Ghost" as they sailed to Cyprus to begin a new ministry outreach Acts 13:4. The word also chronicles the movement between mission fields, such as when they sailed from a location back to Antioch after they had fulfilled the work they were recommended for Acts 14:26. It is used to detail specific legs of a journey, as when they sailed from one port and eventually arrived at Miletus Acts 20:15, and to describe the transport of prisoners, as when Paul was sent to sail into Italy Acts 27:1.
Several related Greek words provide context for the action of sailing away:
- G1599 ekpémpō (to despatch:--send away (forth)): This word often precedes the act of sailing. In Acts 13:4, the missionaries are first "sent forth" by the Holy Ghost before they "sailed" G636.
- G2718 katérchomai (to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively):--come (down), depart, descend, go down, land): This term can describe the movement to a port city before departure. For example, they "departed" G2718 to Seleucia, and from there they "sailed" G636 to Cyprus Acts 13:4. It can also signify the end of a voyage when one has "landed" Acts 18:22.
- G3860 paradídōmi (to surrender, i.e yield up, intrust, transmit): This word highlights the purpose or authority behind the journey. Paul sailed G636 for Italy after being "delivered" G3860 to a centurion Acts 27:1, and he and his companions sailed G636 from a place where they had been "recommended" G3860 to the grace of God Acts 14:26.
While G636 is a literal term, its significance is found in the context of the journeys it describes.
- Missionary Commission: The act of "sailing away" is the physical outworking of a divine command. The journey to Cyprus is explicitly initiated after being "sent forth by the Holy Ghost," making G636 a verb of obedience to a heavenly mission Acts 13:4.
- Narrative Progression: Each use of G636 propels the story of the early church forward, marking a clear transition from one region or phase of ministry to another. It is the mechanism by which the gospel spreads from city to city across the sea.
- Divine Providence: The journeys are undertaken for different reasons, whether as free missionaries or as a prisoner. When Paul is "delivered" G3860 to the authorities to "sail" G636 to Italy, the action is under human control but serves God's ultimate purpose of bringing the gospel to Rome Acts 27:1.
In summary, G636 is a precise action word that means to set sail. Though it appears only a few times, its use in the book of Acts is critical to understanding the physical progression of the early Christian mission. It is not just a travel log entry but a marker of obedience, transition, and the sovereign hand of God guiding his messengers as they carry the gospel across the known world.
TRV