King James Version

What Does Acts 21:1 Mean?

Acts 21:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that after we were gotten from them, and had launched, we came with a straight course unto Coos, an... — study this verse from Acts chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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:

Acts 21:1 · KJV


Context

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:

2

And finding a ship sailing over unto Phenicia, we went aboard, and set forth.

3

Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.


Commentary

KJV Study 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God guide your journey through specific, practical steps rather than dramatic revelations?
  2. What does Paul's willingness to continue despite warnings teach about obedience to divine calling?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ὡς1 of 22

that after

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἐγένετο3 of 22

it came to pass

G1096

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

ἀναχθῆναι4 of 22

and had launched

G321

to lead up; by extension to bring out; specially, to sail away

ἡμᾶς5 of 22

we

G2248

us

ἀποσπασθέντας6 of 22

were gotten

G645

to drag forth, i.e., (literally) unsheathe (a sword), or relatively (with a degree of force implied) retire (personally or factiously)

ἀπ'7 of 22

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

αὐτῶν8 of 22

them

G846

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

εὐθυδρομήσαντες9 of 22

with a straight course

G2113

to lay a straight course, i.e., sail direct

ἤλθομεν10 of 22

we came

G2064

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

εἰς11 of 22

unto

G1519

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

τὴν12 of 22
G3588

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

Κῶν,13 of 22

Coos

G2972

cos, an island in the mediterranean

τῇ14 of 22
G3588

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

δὲ15 of 22

And

G1161

but, and, etc

ἑξῆς16 of 22

the day following

G1836

successive

εἰς17 of 22

unto

G1519

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

τὴν18 of 22
G3588

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

Ῥόδον19 of 22

Rhodes

G4499

rhodus, an island of the mediterranean

κἀκεῖθεν20 of 22

and from thence

G2547

likewise from that place (or time)

εἰς21 of 22

unto

G1519

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

Πάταρα·22 of 22

Patara

G3959

patara, a place in 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 21:1 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 21:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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