Acts 16 11

Acts 16:11 kjv

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

Acts 16:11 nkjv

Therefore, sailing from Troas, we ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day came to Neapolis,

Acts 16:11 niv

From Troas we put out to sea and sailed straight for Samothrace, and the next day we went on to Neapolis.

Acts 16:11 esv

So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct voyage to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis,

Acts 16:11 nlt

We boarded a boat at Troas and sailed straight across to the island of Samothrace, and the next day we landed at Neapolis.

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 11 Meaning

Acts 16:11 describes the initial segment of Paul's journey into Macedonia (Europe) from Troas. Following a clear divine vision guiding them, Paul and his companions ("we," including Luke) swiftly embarked from Troas, made a direct sea voyage to the island of Samothrace, and then continued the very next day to the port city of Neapolis. This verse marks a pivotal geographical transition, demonstrating immediate obedience to God's calling, and initiating the spread of the Gospel into a new continent with manifest divine favor evident in their rapid and smooth journey.

Acts 16 11 Context

Acts 16:11 marks a momentous turn in the narrative of the early church's expansion. It directly follows Paul's profound vision in Troas (Acts 16:9-10) where he received a clear divine summons: "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This "Macedonian call" dramatically shifts Paul's missionary direction from his intended route in Asia Minor westward, responding to what he and his companions immediately understood as God's imperative will. The verse itself describes their resolute and immediate action in response, detailing the maritime route they took from the Roman port city of Troas. This voyage initiated the preaching of the Gospel on the continent of Europe, a critically significant move that led directly to the establishment of the church in Philippi, the first recorded church in Europe. Historically, sea travel was the fastest mode of transportation, and the specific route via Samothrace to Neapolis was a standard passage for those traveling from Asia to the European mainland, making Neapolis the practical gateway to Macedonia. The use of "we" also indicates Luke's joining of the missionary company at this point.

Acts 16 11 Word analysis

• So, setting sail (Ἀναχθέντες δὲ / Anachthentes de): The Greek aorist participle implies a decisive and completed action of "having put out to sea." It signifies an active embarking from port. The conjunction "de" (δὲ) naturally continues the narrative, indicating that their departure was a direct consequence of the immediate resolution in verse 10 following the vision. This points to swift obedience to divine guidance.
• from Troas (ἀπὸ τῆς Τρῳάδος / apo tēs Trōados): Troas was a vital Roman port city on the northwest coast of Asia Minor. Its strategic location made it a crucial junction for trade and travel. More importantly for this narrative, it was the location where Paul received the epoch-making Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9), transforming it from a logistical stop into the launchpad for the Gospel's journey into Europe.
• we made a direct course (εὐθυδρομήσαμεν / euthydromēnamen): This verb (euthydromeō) means "to run a straight course" or "to sail straight ahead without deviation." In the context of ancient sea travel across the Aegean Sea, this implies exceptionally favorable sailing conditions—likely strong, consistent following winds. This is a significant detail, as prevailing winds often made this journey lengthier and more circuitous. Its mention suggests a providential hand in ensuring a swift and unimpeded passage, highlighting divine favor for their mission. The first-person plural verb "we made" confirms Luke's presence in the travel party.
• to Samothrace (εἰς Σαμοθρᾴκην / eis Samothrakēn): Samothrace is a mountainous island located in the northern Aegean Sea. It served as a common and often necessary waypoint or stopover for ships navigating between the Asian coast and the Macedonian mainland, typically used for shelter or to wait for favorable winds. Luke records it simply as the first stage of their swift passage, indicating no ministry occurred there on this leg of the journey.
• and the next day (τῇ ἐπιούσῃ / tē epiousē): This temporal phrase highlights the rapid succession of stages in their voyage. Traveling from Troas to Samothrace and then reaching Neapolis the very next day indicates an unusually fast trip, significantly shorter than typical journeys of that period which might take multiple days for the same distance due to adverse winds. This further underscores the theme of urgency and divine enabling.
• to Neapolis (εἰς Νεάπολιν / eis Neapolian): Neapolis (modern Kavala) was the primary port city for Philippi in eastern Macedonia. Its designation as the ultimate destination for this sea leg is critical, as it represented their actual entry point into the European continent. This marked the tangible fulfillment of the Macedonian call and the initial landing for establishing the Gospel on new soil.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "So, setting sail from Troas, we made a direct course": This powerful sequence conveys immediate and purposeful action driven by divine imperative. "Setting sail" indicates the commitment, and "direct course" speaks to the divine blessing upon that commitment, clearing natural impediments and accelerating the mission's progress. This marks the rapid transformation from heavenly vision to physical reality and decisive forward movement.
  • "to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis": This swift progression emphasizes the efficiency and urgency of the journey. The minimal time spent (or merely passed) at Samothrace indicates it was a purely navigational point, highlighting that their true destination was Neapolis and the Macedonian mainland, reflecting a focus on reaching their intended mission field without delay.

Acts 16 11 Bonus section

The precise change from "they" to "we" at Acts 16:10 and continuing in 16:11 signifies Luke, the author of Acts, joined Paul's company in Troas. This indicates an eyewitness account for much of the subsequent narrative, adding a layer of authenticity and detail. The "direct course" of the voyage implies such favorable winds that scholars often consider it miraculous, given the typical maritime conditions and ancient sailing technology. The usual journey would often take twice as long or more due to tacking against prevailing headwinds. This rapid passage, landing the very next day, suggests a divine intervention accelerating the initial step of the Gospel's entrance into the European continent. It subtly yet powerfully reinforces that God was actively opening the way for His message to reach new regions.

Acts 16 11 Commentary

Acts 16:11, while seemingly a straightforward navigational account, is pregnant with theological significance. The detailed mention of the route and especially the phrase "we made a direct course" (euthydromēnamen) suggests more than mere efficient travel; it hints at divine intervention. Navigating the Aegean from Troas to Samothrace, and then to Neapolis, typically presented challenges due to prevailing northwesterly winds. To achieve a "direct course" and complete the journey in such a short time implies remarkably favorable conditions, often interpreted as God's providential hand guiding and speeding His missionaries for the momentous task of taking the Gospel to Europe. This swift, unimpeded voyage, immediately following Paul's Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9-10) and his decision to obey without hesitation, beautifully illustrates God clearing the path for His called ones. It establishes that logistics, winds, and timing are all subservient to the divine purpose when the mission of spreading the Kingdom is at stake. The verse encapsulates both the urgency of the missionary call and the sovereign enablement of God to fulfill it.