Acts 21:1
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:
Original Language Analysis
Ὡς
that after
G5613
Ὡς
that after
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 22
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
3 of 22
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀναχθῆναι
and had launched
G321
ἀναχθῆναι
and had launched
Strong's:
G321
Word #:
4 of 22
to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away
ἀποσπασθέντας
were gotten
G645
ἀποσπασθέντας
were gotten
Strong's:
G645
Word #:
6 of 22
to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)
ἀπ'
from
G575
ἀπ'
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
7 of 22
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
αὐτῶν
them
G846
αὐτῶν
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 22
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
εὐθυδρομήσαντες
with a straight course
G2113
εὐθυδρομήσαντες
with a straight course
Strong's:
G2113
Word #:
9 of 22
to lay a straight course, i.e., sail direct
ἤλθομεν
we came
G2064
ἤλθομεν
we came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
10 of 22
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
11 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
unto
G1519
εἰς
unto
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
17 of 22
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
18 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Historical Context
Written around AD 57 during Paul's third missionary journey. These Aegean ports were major commercial centers on the sea route from Asia Minor to Judea, with Rhodes particularly famous for its Colossus statue.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God guide your journey through specific, practical steps rather than dramatic revelations?
- What does Paul's willingness to continue despite warnings teach about obedience to divine calling?
Analysis & Commentary
Luke's 'we' narrative resumes, indicating his personal presence with Paul on this final journey to Jerusalem. The detailed itinerary (Coos, Rhodes, Patara) reflects the accuracy of an eyewitness account and demonstrates God's providential guidance through each stage of Paul's missionary work. This marks the beginning of Paul's fateful journey that would lead to his arrest and eventual testimony in Rome.