Acts 20 15

Acts 20:15 kjv

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

Acts 20:15 nkjv

We sailed from there, and the next day came opposite Chios. The following day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. The next day we came to Miletus.

Acts 20:15 niv

The next day we set sail from there and arrived off Chios. The day after that we crossed over to Samos, and on the following day arrived at Miletus.

Acts 20:15 esv

And sailing from there we came the following day opposite Chios; the next day we touched at Samos; and the day after that we went to Miletus.

Acts 20:15 nlt

The next day we sailed past the island of Kios. The following day we crossed to the island of Samos, and a day later we arrived at Miletus.

Acts 20 verses

Acts 20 15 Meaning

Acts 20:15 chronicles a specific three-day segment of Paul and his companions' sea journey from Assos, marking their sequential stops at the islands of Chios and Samos, followed by their arrival at the important coastal city of Miletus. This verse provides precise chronological and geographical details, highlighting their continuous progress and urgent pace as they traveled towards Jerusalem.

Acts 20 15 Context

Acts chapter 20 describes a crucial period during Paul's third missionary journey, marking his final return through the Aegean Sea before his destined trip to Jerusalem. Having spent significant time ministering in Macedonia and Greece, he began his journey back towards the East. Following the miraculous resurrection of Eutychus in Troas and Paul's reunion with his companions in Assos (verses 13-14), verse 15 details the next three days of their maritime travel. This segment is characterized by rapid progression through the Aegean islands of Chios and Samos, culminating in their arrival at Miletus. This route was chosen to strategically bypass Ephesus, an important city where Paul had previously spent considerable time, enabling him to save time and meet his goal of reaching Jerusalem by the Feast of Pentecost. The stops detailed in this verse directly set the stage for Paul's deeply emotional and significant farewell address to the Ephesian elders in Miletus, where he imparted his final pastoral counsel and warned them of future challenges, aware of the suffering awaiting him in Jerusalem. Historically, these ports were common waypoints for ships traversing the Eastern Aegean.

Acts 20 15 Word analysis

• And sailing (κἀκεῖθεν ἀποπλεύσαντες, kakelthen apopleusantes):

  • Meaning "and having sailed away from there." The conjunction "and" links to the preceding action in Assos. "Sailing away" emphasizes departure and ongoing motion.
  • Significance: Part of a continuous narrative; demonstrates progress on their journey.

• from there (κἀκεῖθεν, kakelthen):

  • Specifically referring to Assos, mentioned in the preceding verse.
  • Significance: Provides precise geographical continuity and verifies the route's details.

• the next day (τῇ ἐπιούσῃ, tē epiusē):

  • Literally "on the following one" (referring to a day).
  • Significance: Establishes a strict chronological account, indicating steady, daily progress characteristic of an urgent journey.

• we arrived at (κατηντήσαμεν εἰς, katentēsamen eis):

  • From καταντάω (katantaō), "we came down to" or "reached." It implies making port and stopping.
  • Significance: The use of "we" affirms Luke's presence as an eyewitness in the traveling party, reinforcing the historical reliability of the account.

• Chios (Χίον, Khios):

  • An island in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Asia Minor.
  • Significance: A specific, historically identifiable geographical point, further cementing the verifiability of the narrative.

• and the day after that (τῇ δὲ ἑτέρᾳ, tē de hetera):

  • Literally "on the other (day)." Another specific daily marker.
  • Significance: Continues the meticulous chronological reporting, emphasizing daily advancements toward their destination.

• we touched at (παρεβάλομεν εἰς, parebalomen eis):

  • From παραβάλλω (paraballō), meaning "to throw alongside" or "put in." This verb often suggests a brief stop rather than a lengthy stay or a deep penetration into a harbor.
  • Significance: May imply a brief pause for resupply or to let off/take on passengers, fitting Paul's urgency to save time.

• Samos (Σάμον, Samos):

  • Another large Aegean island, located south of Chios.
  • Significance: Another exact geographical waypoint on their established maritime route.

• and the next day (τῇ τε ἐχομένῃ, tē te echomenē):

  • Literally "on the next (day), also." This is the third consecutive daily marker.
  • Significance: The consistent enumeration of days stresses the steady, unflagging pace of their voyage and Luke's detailed record-keeping.

• we came to (ἤλθομεν εἰς, elthomen eis):

  • From ἔρχομαι (erchomai), "we came." A general verb of arrival, similar to "arrived at."
  • Significance: Indicates the final point of this three-day leg, highlighting the arrival at their next significant location.

• Miletus (Μίλητον, Milēton):

  • A prominent ancient Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor, south of Ephesus.
  • Significance: This is not merely another stop but a key strategic point. Paul chose Miletus as the rendezvous for the Ephesian elders (Acts 20:17) precisely to avoid time-consuming delays in Ephesus, reflecting his resolve to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost. It signifies a tactical decision crucial to the unfolding narrative.

• Words-group Analysis: "And sailing from there, the next day we arrived at Chios; and the day after that we touched at Samos; and the next day we came to Miletus.":

  • This phrase vividly encapsulates Luke's commitment to historical precision. The repeated "we" identifies the narrator as a participant, giving the account eyewitness authority. The clear enumeration of days and named geographical locations demonstrates meticulous log-keeping. This descriptive accuracy is more than just travel reporting; it establishes the context of Paul's urgent mission to Jerusalem and strategically sets the stage for the pivotal encounter with the Ephesian elders in Miletus, where a significant pastoral and prophetic address would take place. It reflects God's sovereign oversight, even in the minute logistical details of Paul's Spirit-led journey.

Acts 20 15 Bonus section

The ancient Aegean Sea was characterized by a prevailing northwesterly wind (the Etesian winds) during late spring and summer. Sailing south from Assos to Miletus, making stops at Chios and Samos, would have been an efficient route given these conditions, allowing for quick, daily passages. This detail reflects an authentic understanding of ancient maritime practices and weather patterns. Furthermore, the strategic avoidance of Ephesus by sailing to Miletus illustrates Paul's disciplined commitment to his missionary itinerary. Ephesus, as a major city where Paul had previously endured significant ministry and opposition, would likely have led to prolonged greetings, potentially hindering his ability to reach Jerusalem within his desired timeframe. Miletus, a thriving port in its own right, served as an ideal, less congested alternative for a brief, critical meeting without risking a full detour.

Acts 20 15 Commentary

Acts 20:15, though a simple narrative of travel, is laden with Luke's characteristic precision and theological purpose. It highlights Paul's relentless, Spirit-driven march towards Jerusalem, demonstrated by the consistent daily progression of his voyage through the Aegean. The detailed listing of Chios, Samos, and Miletus underscores the historical veracity of Luke's account, serving as an ancient logbook entry from an eyewitness, confirming the presence of "we" (Luke himself) on this critical journey. The urgency implied by the quick, consecutive stops reinforces Paul's determination to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost, which meant strategically bypassing a time-consuming visit to Ephesus. This deliberate routing to Miletus is pivotal; it enabled Paul to deliver his poignant and final charge to the Ephesian elders, a crucial pastoral moment before facing imprisonment and further trials. Thus, this seemingly mundane verse serves as a crucial geographical and chronological hinge, linking the journey's logistics to its profound spiritual implications for Paul's ministry and the early church.