Acts 27:5
And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.
Original Language Analysis
τό
G3588
τό
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
κατὰ
of
G2596
κατὰ
of
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
5 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Παμφυλίαν
Pamphylia
G3828
Παμφυλίαν
Pamphylia
Strong's:
G3828
Word #:
9 of 15
every-tribal, i.e., heterogeneous (g5561 being implied); pamphylia, a region of asia minor
κατήλθομεν
we came
G2718
κατήλθομεν
we came
Strong's:
G2718
Word #:
11 of 15
to come (or go) down (literally or figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
12 of 15
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
Cross References
Acts 6:9Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.Acts 13:13Now when Paul and his company loosed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia: and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.
Historical Context
Myra (near modern Demre, Turkey) was approximately 200 miles west of Sidon. As Lycia's principal port, it served Rome's vital Egyptian grain fleet. Massive grain ships from Alexandria stopped at Myra before attempting the dangerous open-sea crossing to Italy. The city later became famous as home of St. Nicholas (4th century). Archaeological remains include a well-preserved Roman theater and rock-cut tombs.
Questions for Reflection
- How might revisiting scenes of past ministry while in vastly different circumstances test or strengthen faith?
- What does God's routing of Paul through familiar places before unknown trials teach about divine preparation?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. The Greek diapleusan tes pelagos (διαπλεύσαντες τὸ πέλαγος, "sailed over the sea") indicates open-water crossing, distinguishing from coastal hugging. Cilicia was Paul's home province (Acts 21:39, 22:3)—he sailed past his birthplace Tarsus as a prisoner bound for Rome. Pamphylia had witnessed earlier ministry (Acts 13:13, 14:24). Myra, Lycia's major port, was a grain-shipping hub where ships transferred between eastern and western Mediterranean routes.
Luke's precise geographical details demonstrate eyewitness accuracy and reveal providence's intricate workings. Paul passed regions where he'd preached freely, now in chains—yet his circumstances advanced the gospel (Philippians 1:12-18). The journey's routing through familiar territories may have provided encouragement: God's faithfulness in past ministries assured future purposes. Myra's selection as transfer point wasn't random but part of divine orchestration bringing Paul toward Rome.