Acts 16:11
Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;
Original Language Analysis
Ἀναχθέντες
loosing
G321
Ἀναχθέντες
loosing
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
1 of 13
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
οὖν
Therefore
G3767
οὖν
Therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 13
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
3 of 13
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τὴς
G3588
τὴς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Τρῳάδος
Troas
G5174
Τρῳάδος
Troas
Strong's:
G5174
Word #:
5 of 13
the troad (or plain of troy), i.e., troas, a place in asia minor
εὐθυδρομήσαμεν
we came with a straight course
G2113
εὐθυδρομήσαμεν
we came with a straight course
Strong's:
G2113
Word #:
6 of 13
to lay a straight course, i.e., sail direct
εἰς
day to
G1519
εἰς
day to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
7 of 13
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Σαμοθρᾴκην
Samothracia
G4543
Σαμοθρᾴκην
Samothracia
Strong's:
G4543
Word #:
8 of 13
samo-thrace (samos of thrace), an island in the mediterranean
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
G1966
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
Strong's:
G1966
Word #:
11 of 13
supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night
Historical Context
This verse records Christianity's entry into Europe (circa AD 50). Neapolis was the eastern port of the Via Egnatia, Rome's major east-west highway through Macedonia. Paul responded to the vision of the "man of Macedonia" (16:9), fulfilling God's plan to bring the gospel to Europe. Luke, the author, likely joined Paul's team at Troas.
Questions for Reflection
- What "straight course" might God be providing in your life to fulfill His calling, and are you recognizing His providential guidance?
- How does the inclusion of "we" passages (Luke's eyewitness account) strengthen your confidence in the historical reliability of Scripture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore loosing from Troas—The "we" passage begins here (πλεύσαντες, pleusantes, "having sailed"), indicating Luke's personal presence on Paul's second missionary journey. This marks a pivotal geographic shift from Asia Minor to Europe.
We came with a straight course (εὐθυδρομήσαμεν, euthydromeō)—literally "to run a straight course," a nautical term indicating favorable winds. The 100-mile voyage from Troas to Samothracia (a mountainous island midpoint) and then to Neapolis (modern Kavala, the port city of Philippi) normally took several days against prevailing winds, but God's providence gave them swift passage. Compare the return journey (Acts 20:6), which took five days—highlighting divine assistance in answering the Macedonian call.