Acts 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.
Original Language Analysis
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
G1966
ἐπιούσῃ
the next
Strong's:
G1966
Word #:
4 of 22
supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night
κατηντήσαμεν
and came
G2658
κατηντήσαμεν
and came
Strong's:
G2658
Word #:
5 of 22
to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρεβάλομεν
day we arrived
G3846
παρεβάλομεν
day we arrived
Strong's:
G3846
Word #:
11 of 22
to throw alongside, i.e., (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken
εἰς
at
G1519
εἰς
at
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μεὶναντες
tarried
G3306
μεὶναντες
tarried
Strong's:
G3306
Word #:
15 of 22
to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐχομένῃ
and the next
G2192
ἐχομένῃ
and the next
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
19 of 22
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἤλθομεν
day we came
G2064
ἤλθομεν
day we came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
20 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Historical Context
Written circa AD 60-62, Luke documents Paul's spring AD 57 voyage. These were major Mediterranean ports along established trade routes. Miletus, though declining from its classical glory, remained strategically important. Paul's choice to summon Ephesian elders to Miletus rather than revisit Ephesus (v. 16) suggests both time constraints and possibly security concerns after the silversmith riot (19:23-41).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Luke's attention to geographical detail demonstrate the historical reliability and eyewitness nature of Acts?
- What does Paul's urgency to reach Jerusalem 'at all costs' reveal about apostolic priorities and obedience to the Spirit's leading?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And we sailed thence—Luke's precise travelogue continues with characteristic nautical detail. The itinerary from Assos traces Paul's third missionary journey's final leg toward Jerusalem: Chios (Greek island opposite Smyrna), Samos (birthplace of Pythagoras), Trogyllium (promontory between Samos and Miletus), and Miletus (major Ionian port 30 miles south of Ephesus).
This seemingly mundane geographical catalog serves theological purpose—it demonstrates the gospel's westward march through the Greco-Roman world's cultural centers. Paul's urgency (speudō, v. 16—'hastening') to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost drives this rapid coastal hopping. The mention of Miletus foreshadows verses 17-38's emotional farewell address to Ephesian elders, one of Acts' most theologically rich passages on pastoral ministry and apostolic succession.