Acts 21:1

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, and the day following unto Rhodes, and from thence unto Patara:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
Ὡς
that after
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
#2
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#3
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#4
ἀναχθῆναι
and had launched
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
#5
ἡμᾶς
we
us
#6
ἀποσπασθέντας
were gotten
to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)
#7
ἀπ'
from
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
#8
αὐτῶν
them
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#9
εὐθυδρομήσαντες
with a straight course
to lay a straight course, i.e., sail direct
#10
ἤλθομεν
we came
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#11
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#12
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
Κῶν,
Coos
cos, an island in the mediterranean
#14
τῇ
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
δὲ
And
but, and, etc
#16
ἑξῆς
the day following
successive
#17
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#18
τὴν
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#19
Ῥόδον
Rhodes
rhodus, an island of the mediterranean
#20
κἀκεῖθεν
and from thence
likewise from that place (or time)
#21
εἰς
unto
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#22
Πάταρα·
Patara
patara, a place in asia minor

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Acts. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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