Acts 20:15
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The detailed itinerary of Paul's journey, mentioning specific islands and locations, isn't just about mapping miles. It highlights the deliberate pace of his travel, allowing for opportunities to dock, rest, and potentially engage with people, even as he was pressing on with urgency toward Jerusalem. This isn't a casual boat trip; it's a strategic journey where every stop, or near-stop, could be a moment for ministry.
Paul and his companions are on a rapid journey by sea, making their way south along the coast of Asia Minor. They are sailing from Mitylene on Lesbos towards Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by Pentecost, and this specific day's travel involves sailing past Chios and Samos before anchoring at Trogyllium. The ultimate destination for this leg of the journey is Miletus, a port city from which Paul intends to summon the elders of Ephesus for a farewell meeting.
Ever feel like you're just drifting? This verse details a journey with incredible precision, hinting at a deeper purpose behind each stop.
The text lays out a specific route with day-by-day progress: sailing from Mitylene, passing by Chios, stopping at Samos, anchoring at Trogyllium, and finally reaching Miletus. This isn't a casual boat trip; it's a carefully planned itinerary.
A Calculated Course
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This meticulous navigation highlights the purposeful nature of Paul's travels. Even seemingly minor stops or passes were part of a larger, divinely guided plan.
These aren't just random islands and ports. Each location held historical and cultural weight, and Paul's presence there was profoundly significant.
The journey takes Paul past famous, historically rich locations:
Islands of Note
The Crucial Destination: Miletus
This specific route and choice of Miletus as the final stop before heading inland to meet the Ephesian elders were driven by urgent spiritual objectives. Paul wasn't just traveling; he was strategically positioning himself for ministry and fulfilling divine appointments.
This verse captures a specific leg of Paul's journey, highlighting the common practice of coastal navigation and the strategic importance of these islands and ports in the ancient Mediterranean world.
c. AD 52-56
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
The Apostle Paul undertakes his extensive third missionary journey throughout the Roman province of Asia and Greece.
c. AD 56— this verse
Voyage from Miletus
Paul and his companions are sailing along the coast of Asia Minor, making stops at various islands and ports on their way to Jerusalem.
c. AD 56
Paul Sends for Ephesian Elders
From Miletus, Paul summons the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him for a final farewell and impartation.
c. AD 56
Paul's Farewell to Ephesus Elders
Paul delivers a poignant farewell address to the Ephesian elders, warning them and instructing them on pastoring the flock.
This passage directly follows the journey described in Acts 20:15, showing the immediate continuation of Paul's voyage and his eventual arrival at Jerusalem after this leg of the journey.
Acts 20:16This verse immediately precedes the geographical description, explaining Paul's urgent desire to reach Jerusalem for Pentecost, which provides the 'why' behind the hurried sea voyage described in Acts 20:15.
Acts 20:17-38This extensive passage details the pivotal meeting Paul had with the Ephesian elders at Miletus, highlighting the emotional weight and spiritual significance of this encounter that occurred immediately after the sea journey mentioned in Acts 20:15.
2 Corinthians 11:25-26These verses speak to the numerous dangers and hardships Paul faced during his extensive travels, offering a broader context of the perils that likely accompanied the specific sea voyage documented in Acts 20:15.
bengelActs 20:15: "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 . Τρωγυλλίῳ ) The name of a place, as in Wirtemberg, a village is called Korb (a basket) with the same signification.— ἤλθομεν , we came ) with rapid course.
clarkeActs 20:15: "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."
Over against Chios - This was a very celebrated island between Lesbos and Samos, famous in antiquity for its extraordinary wines. At this island the apostle did not touch. Arrived at Samos - This was another island of the Aegean Sea, or Archipelago. It does not appear that they landed at Samos: they passed close by it…
The detailed itinerary of Paul's journey, mentioning specific islands and locations, isn't just about mapping miles. It highlights the deliberate pace of his travel, allowing for opportunities to dock, rest, and potentially engage with people, even as he was pressing on with urgency toward Jerusalem. This isn't a casual boat trip; it's a strategic journey where every stop, or near-stop, could be a moment for ministry.
Paul and his companions are on a rapid journey by sea, making their way south along the coast of Asia Minor. They are sailing from Mitylene on Lesbos towards Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by Pentecost, and this specific day's travel involves sailing past Chios and Samos before anchoring at Trogyllium. The ultimate destination for this leg of the journey is Miletus, a port city from which Paul intends to summon the elders of Ephesus for a farewell meeting.
Paul and his companions are on a rapid journey by sea, making their way south along the coast of Asia Minor. They are sailing from Mitylene on Lesbos towards Jerusalem, aiming to arrive by Pentecost, and this specific day's travel involves sailing past Chios and Samos before anchoring at Trogyllium. The ultimate destination for this leg of the journey is Miletus, a port city from which Paul intends to summon the elders of Ephesus for a farewell meeting.
"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." — The detailed itinerary of Paul's journey, mentioning specific islands and locations, isn't just about mapping miles. It highlights the deliberate pace of his travel, allowing for opportunities to doc…
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