King James Version

What Does Acts 20:15 Mean?

Acts 20:15 in the King James Version says “And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Tro... — study this verse from Acts chapter 20 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

Acts 20:15 · KJV


Context

13

And we went before to ship, and sailed unto Assos, there intending to take in Paul: for so had he appointed, minding himself to go afoot.

14

And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in, and came to Mitylene.

15

And we sailed thence, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.

16

For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.

17

And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And we sailed thence—Luke's precise travelogue continues with characteristic nautical detail. The itinerary from Assos traces Paul's third missionary journey's final leg toward Jerusalem: Chios (Greek island opposite Smyrna), Samos (birthplace of Pythagoras), Trogyllium (promontory between Samos and Miletus), and Miletus (major Ionian port 30 miles south of Ephesus).

This seemingly mundane geographical catalog serves theological purpose—it demonstrates the gospel's westward march through the Greco-Roman world's cultural centers. Paul's urgency (speudō, v. 16—'hastening') to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost drives this rapid coastal hopping. The mention of Miletus foreshadows verses 17-38's emotional farewell address to Ephesian elders, one of Acts' most theologically rich passages on pastoral ministry and apostolic succession.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written circa AD 60-62, Luke documents Paul's spring AD 57 voyage. These were major Mediterranean ports along established trade routes. Miletus, though declining from its classical glory, remained strategically important. Paul's choice to summon Ephesian elders to Miletus rather than revisit Ephesus (v. 16) suggests both time constraints and possibly security concerns after the silversmith riot (19:23-41).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Luke's attention to geographical detail demonstrate the historical reliability and eyewitness nature of Acts?
  2. What does Paul's urgency to reach Jerusalem 'at all costs' reveal about apostolic priorities and obedience to the Spirit's leading?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
κἀκεῖθεν1 of 22

And

G2547

likewise from that place (or time)

ἀποπλεύσαντες2 of 22

we sailed

G636

to set sail

τῇ3 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπιούσῃ4 of 22

the next

G1966

supervening, i.e., (g2250 or g3571 being expressed or implied) the ensuing day or night

κατηντήσαμεν5 of 22

and came

G2658

to meet against, i.e., arrive at (literally or figuratively)

ἀντικρύ6 of 22

day over against

G481

opposite

Χίου7 of 22

Chios

G5508

chios, an island in the mediterranean

τῇ8 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

δὲ9 of 22

and

G1161

but, and, etc

ἑτέρᾳ10 of 22

the next

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

παρεβάλομεν11 of 22

day we arrived

G3846

to throw alongside, i.e., (reflexively) to reach a place, or (figuratively) to liken

εἰς12 of 22

at

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Σάμον13 of 22

Samos

G4544

samus, an island of the mediterranean

καὶ14 of 22

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μεὶναντες15 of 22

tarried

G3306

to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)

ἐν16 of 22

at

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τρωγυλλίῳ,17 of 22

Trogyllium

G5175

trogyllium, a place in asia minor

τῇ18 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐχομένῃ19 of 22

and the next

G2192

to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio

ἤλθομεν20 of 22

day we came

G2064

to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

εἰς21 of 22

at

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

Μίλητον22 of 22

Miletus

G3399

miletus, a city of asia minor


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 20:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 20:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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