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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to overlook Aristarchus, but his presence here highlights a subtle but profound truth: true companions don't abandon ship when the journey gets tough. He was a fellow traveler with Paul on his way to Jerusalem, and despite Paul's imprisonment, Aristarchus chose to remain with him, even now willingly embarking on another perilous voyage, demonstrating incredible loyalty.
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.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul, along with Luke and Aristarchus, boards a ship in Caesarea that is bound for ports along the coast of Asia. This particular vessel, hailing from Adramyttium, is not the final ship they will take for their journey to Italy. The text sets the stage for a complex sea voyage where they will need to change vessels as they navigate towards Rome, highlighting God's providential hand in Paul's eventual arrival in the imperial city.
Why did Paul and his companions board a ship heading to ports along the coast of Asia, rather than directly to Italy?
Paul is a prisoner, and his journey to Rome isn't straightforward. The ship they board in Caesarea is an Adramyttium merchant vessel, meaning it's likely a coastal trader. This type of ship wouldn't sail directly to Italy. Instead, it's heading to ports along the western coast of Asia Minor. The strategy here is to 'hop' from one ship or port to another until they can find passage westward. It's a practical, albeit potentially slower, way to navigate the sea lanes when you don't have control over the itinerary, especially as a prisoner.
Who is Aristarchus, and why is his presence significant in this challenging voyage?
Aristarchus is more than just a traveling companion; he's a fellow believer who chose to stay with Paul. He was with Paul in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and on his journey back to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). Now, despite Paul being a prisoner facing a dangerous sea voyage, Aristarchus voluntarily embarks with him. This demonstrates incredible loyalty and solidarity. He isn't just going to Rome; he's going with Paul, sharing in his circumstances, even the risky ones. It's a powerful picture of friendship and support in the face of adversity.
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This verse marks the beginning of Paul's perilous, divinely orchestrated voyage to Rome. The choice of a specific ship and the presence of companions like Aristarchus highlight God's sovereignty over even the details of Paul's journey to face trial.
c. AD 57-59
Paul's Imprisonment in Caesarea
Following his arrest in Jerusalem and subsequent defense before various authorities, Paul was imprisoned in Caesarea Maritima for approximately two years. This period set the stage for his eventual journey to Rome.
c. August AD 59— this verse
Paul's Appeal to Caesar
Festus, the Roman governor, determined to send Paul to Rome to face trial before Emperor Nero, as Paul had appealed to Caesar. This decision initiated the sea voyage described in Acts 27.
c. Late August AD 59
Embarking at Caesarea
Paul and other prisoners were entrusted to a centurion named Julius and boarded a ship from Adramyttium, which was headed towards the coasts of Asia Minor. Aristarchus, a companion of Paul, joined them.
c. September AD 59
Voyage to Crete
After sailing along the coast and reaching Myra in Lycia, the group transferred to a grain ship bound for Italy. They reached Crete, but the worsening weather and the approach of the Day of Atonement (late September) signaled dangerous sailing conditions.
c. Late AD 59 - Early AD 60
Shipwreck on Malta
The ship encountered a severe storm and was eventually wrecked on the island of Malta, where the survivors spent the winter.
c. Early AD 60
Arrival in Rome
After leaving Malta, the journey continued, and Paul finally arrived in Rome, where he was allowed to live under house arrest, continuing his ministry.
This passage introduces Aristarchus as a companion of Paul in Ephesus, showing his long-standing relationship with the apostle and setting the stage for his continued presence during this dangerous journey.
Acts 20:4This verse also mentions Aristarchus, highlighting his accompaniment of Paul on a previous journey from Greece to Asia, reinforcing his loyalty and shared mission with Paul.
Colossians 4:10This later letter finds Aristarchus with Paul in Rome, indicating that he not only accompanied Paul on this sea voyage but also remained with him during his imprisonment, demonstrating steadfastness in the face of hardship.
Philippians 1:7While not mentioning Aristarchus by name, this passage speaks to Paul's companions who shared in his 'chains' and 'defense of the gospel,' a sentiment that Aristarchus embodies by choosing to journey with Paul despite the risks.
ellicottActs 27:2: "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."
(2) Entering into a ship of Adramyttium. —Better, embarking in. Adramyttium was a town on the coast of Mysia, opposite Lesbos. It lay on the Roman road from Assos and Troas to Pergamus, Ephesus, and Miletus. It was a port of considerable importance, and the Gulf of Adramyti still retains its name. There would seem to have been bu…
henryActs 27:1-11: "And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners unto one named Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band."
27:1-11 It was determined by the counsel of God, before it was determined by the counsel of Festus, that Paul should go to Rome; for God had work for him to do there. The course they steered, and the places they touched at, are here set down. And God here encourages those who suffer for him, to trust in him; for he can p…
It's easy to overlook Aristarchus, but his presence here highlights a subtle but profound truth: true companions don't abandon ship when the journey gets tough. He was a fellow traveler with Paul on his way to Jerusalem, and despite Paul's imprisonment, Aristarchus chose to remain with him, even now willingly embarking on another perilous voyage, demonstrating incredible loyalty.
Paul, along with Luke and Aristarchus, boards a ship in Caesarea that is bound for ports along the coast of Asia. This particular vessel, hailing from Adramyttium, is not the final ship they will take for their journey to Italy. The text sets the stage for a complex sea voyage where they will need to change vessels as they navigate towards Rome, highlighting God's providential hand in Paul's eventual arrival in the imperial city.
Paul, along with Luke and Aristarchus, boards a ship in Caesarea that is bound for ports along the coast of Asia. This particular vessel, hailing from Adramyttium, is not the final ship they will take for their journey to Italy. The text sets the stage for a complex sea voyage where they will need to change vessels as they navigate towards Rome, highlighting God's providential hand in Paul's eventual arrival in the imperial city.
"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." — It's easy to overlook Aristarchus, but his presence here highlights a subtle but profound truth: true companions don't abandon ship when the journey gets tough. He was a fellow traveler with Paul on…
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Last reviewed October 2026