Acts 20:15 - Sailing from there, we came the following day opposite Chios. The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we came to Miletus.

Generated Verse: Acts 20:15

What does "Acts 20:15" mean?


This verse from Acts 20:15 is a simple travel log, detailing part of the apostle Paul's journey back to Jerusalem. Let's break it down:

"Sailing from there..." - "There" refers to a previous location mentioned in the preceding verses (Acts 20:13-14), specifically Assos. Paul had traveled there by land, and his companions sailed around the headland to meet him.

"...we came the following day opposite Chios." - The group sailed from Assos and, on the next day, arrived in a location that was directly across from (or facing) the island of Chios. They likely didn't land on Chios itself, but rather sailed past it.

"The next day we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium..." - The following day, they stopped at Samos (another island) and then went on to stay the night at Trogyllium, which was located on the mainland, near the island of Samos. The phrase "touched at" could imply a brief stop, perhaps to take on supplies or passengers.

"...and the day after we came to Miletus." - The day after stopping at Trogyllium, they arrived at Miletus. Miletus was a coastal city in the Roman province of Asia.

In essence, the verse is giving a timeline of Paul's ship journey, listing the places they visited and the order in which they did so.

Significance:

While seemingly just a travelogue, this verse and the surrounding passage are important for a few reasons:

1. Historical Accuracy: The detailed descriptions of the journey contribute to the credibility and historical accuracy of the Book of Acts. It provides evidence that the writer, Luke, was likely an eyewitness or had access to accurate travel records.
2. Paul's Determination: This passage shows Paul's deliberate and focused movement towards Jerusalem, despite knowing that hardship awaited him there. (Acts 20:22-24)
3. Context for Paul's Farewell: Miletus is particularly significant because it's where Paul calls for the elders of the church in Ephesus to meet him (Acts 20:16-17). It's from Miletus that he delivers his emotional farewell address to them, warning of future challenges and urging them to remain faithful. Thus, the description of the journey provides the context for this crucial event.

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