Acts 21:1 - When we had departed from them and had set sail, we came with a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

Generated Verse: Acts 21:1

What does "Acts 21:1" mean?


Acts 21:1 recounts the beginning of Paul's journey towards Jerusalem, a journey that he knew would be fraught with difficulty and potential persecution (as warned in previous chapters). Let's break down the meaning:

"When we had departed from them...": "Them" refers to the elders of Ephesus (Acts 20:17-38). Paul had met with them in Miletus, given a farewell address, and warned them about the challenges the church would face after his departure. This phrase simply means they left the elders in Miletus.

"...and had set sail...": They boarded a ship to continue their journey.

"...we came with a straight course to Cos...": Cos (Kos) is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, near the coast of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). "Straight course" indicates they sailed directly and efficiently to Cos. There were no detours or complications in their navigation to that point.

"...and the next day to Rhodes...": Rhodes is another larger and more important Greek island, also in the Aegean, southwest of Cos. The fact they sailed to Rhodes the next day indicates a relatively short and straightforward voyage.

"...and from there to Patara.": Patara was a coastal city in Lycia (modern-day Turkey) on the mainland. This was a significant port, and important because from there Paul would find a ship heading to Palestine.

In summary, the verse provides a simple itinerary of the first leg of Paul's sea voyage from Miletus towards Jerusalem. It shows the journey progressed smoothly and according to plan at this early stage. It's a travelogue detail, placing the events historically and geographically. It sets the stage for the more significant events that will unfold as Paul gets closer to Jerusalem.

Significance:

Historical Context: It gives us specific locations, allowing us to trace Paul's journey on a map. This helps us understand the scope of his missionary travels.
Journey towards Jerusalem: It's the beginning of a crucial part of Paul's life. He is heading towards what he believes is his divinely appointed destiny, even though he expects suffering there.
Efficiency and Purpose: The "straight course" suggests a sense of urgency and purpose in Paul's travel. He wasn't simply drifting; he had a destination in mind.

The verse is seemingly simple, but it paints a picture of Paul's intentionality and the beginning of a pivotal chapter in his life, marked by devotion and willingness to face hardship for the sake of the Gospel.