Acts 27 2

Acts 27:2 kjv

And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

Acts 27:2 nkjv

So, entering a ship of Adramyttium, we put to sea, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.

Acts 27:2 niv

We boarded a ship from Adramyttium about to sail for ports along the coast of the province of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

Acts 27:2 esv

And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.

Acts 27:2 nlt

Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was also with us. We left on a ship whose home port was Adramyttium on the northwest coast of the province of Asia; it was scheduled to make several stops at ports along the coast of the province.

Acts 27 verses

Acts 27 2 Meaning

The verse describes Paul's embarkation with other prisoners. He is traveling with a company of believers and bound for Rome. This journey is pivotal, leading to his ministry in the imperial city and eventual martyrdom. The specific company traveling with him signifies the enduring presence of fellowship and the mission of the Gospel even amidst hardship and Roman jurisdiction.

Acts 27 2 Context

This verse is part of Luke's detailed account of Paul's final voyage to Rome, a journey undertaken under Roman guard due to accusations in Judea. Chapter 27 narrates the perilous sea journey, the shipwreck, and the subsequent events on Malta. Paul's ultimate destination, Rome, signifies the culmination of his missionary work as he appeals to Caesar. The mention of other prisoners and specific companions like Aristarchus highlights the group Paul is with and provides insight into the conditions of imprisonment and travel for those sent to trial in the Roman Empire. This specific voyage is recorded by Luke, who was present for much of it.

Acts 27 2 Word Analysis

• And (καὶ, kai): A coordinating conjunction, connecting this verse to the preceding narrative and indicating a continuation of the events.
• when (ὡς, hōs): "As," "when," indicating the circumstance under which the action begins. It can also denote the manner or quality of something. Here, it introduces the subordinate clause setting the timing.
• it was determined (ἐνεκοπή, enekopē): A passive verb from ἐκκόπτω (ekkoptō), meaning "to cut off," "to hinder," or "to determine." In the passive, it can suggest a decision or an event that is set in motion, rather than a casual one. This implies a resolute decision was made regarding their journey.
• that (τοῦ, tou): Used here with the infinitive (στέλλειν, stellein) to express purpose or the object of the determination.
• we (ἡμᾶς, hēmas): "Us." This pronoun indicates Luke’s inclusion as part of the group traveling.
• should sail (στέλλειν, stellein): "To send," "to dispatch," or "to set sail." The imperfect infinitive suggests the planned continuation of the voyage.
• into (εἰς, eis): A preposition indicating direction or motion towards a place.
• Italy (Ἰταλίαν, Italiam): Refers to the Italian peninsula.
• they (αὐτοὶ, autoi): Refers to the authorities who made the decision for Paul and the other prisoners to sail to Italy.
• delivered (παρέδοσαν, paredosan): Aorist active verb from παραδίδωμι (paradidōmi), meaning "to hand over," "to deliver," or "to commit." This highlights the transfer of custody from one authority to another, specifically to the centurion.
• Paul (Σαῦλον, Saoulon): The apostle Paul, then known by his Hellenized Jewish name Saul.
• and (καί, kai): Coordinating conjunction.
• certain (τινας, tinas): "Some," "certain ones." Indicating that not all prisoners or persons were delivered at this point, but a select group.
• prisoners (δεσμιωτῶν, desmiōtōn): Genitive plural from δέσμιος (desmios), meaning "captive," "prisoner." This clarifies that Paul was not alone in his captivity.
• unto (παρὰ, para): A preposition indicating "beside," "near," or "to the side of." Here, it signifies delivery to a person.
• one (ἑνί, heni): "One," masculine dative singular. Refers to an individual.
• named (ὄνοματι, onomati): Dative of respect or specification, "by name."
• Julius (Ἰούλιον, Ioulion): A Roman cognomen.
• a centurion (κεντυρίονι, kentyrioni): Dative case of κεντυρίων (kentyriōn), a Roman military officer commanding a company of soldiers.
• of Augustus’ band (αὐγούστης σπείρης, augoustēs speirēs): "Of the Augustan cohort" or "Augustus’ band." This indicates that Julius was an officer in a specific Roman legion named after Emperor Augustus, suggesting a significant military unit and thus a degree of official importance in his role. This "Augustan cohort" (Speira Sebaste) was likely an auxiliary unit, not a legionary one, recruited from foreign auxiliaries who had the privilege of Roman citizenship, and assigned to guard key prisoners, implying a sensitive assignment.

Groups of Words:

• delivered Paul and certain prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus’ band: This phrase emphasizes the transfer of responsibility for Paul and other captives to a specific Roman military official, placing them under official military escort and supervision as they began their journey towards Italy. The designation of "Augustus' band" highlights the context of Roman authority and organization.

Acts 27 2 Bonus Section

The journey described in Acts 27, commencing with this verse, is famously detailed by Luke. It serves as a profound illustration of God's providence amidst severe trials and human error. The journey, fraught with storms and ultimately leading to a shipwreck, became the backdrop for significant ministry to sailors, soldiers, and the islanders of Malta. It highlights the principle that God's plans can be accomplished through any means, including official Roman prisoner transports, and that even challenging circumstances can become platforms for witnessing and discipleship. Paul's confidence, as displayed throughout the chapter, is rooted in his trust in God’s promises and his calling, rather than his physical safety.

Acts 27 2 Commentary

This verse sets the stage for a critical part of Paul's ministry. The determined decision for them to sail implies a divinely ordered path, even if filled with peril. Paul is not traveling alone; he is accompanied by fellow believers, notably Luke and Aristarchus (mentioned in the next verse), underscoring the importance of fellowship and mutual support in the Christian life. Being handed over to Julius, a centurion of the Augustan cohort, signifies the official Roman military escort. This demonstrates how even state mechanisms, in this instance, facilitated the spread of the Gospel by transporting Paul to Rome, a strategic hub. The presence of "certain prisoners" alongside Paul suggests a system of penal transportation where multiple individuals accused or convicted were grouped and handed over for collective escort.