Paul makes deliberate progress toward his ministry goal.
In “Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios; and the next day we crossed over to Samos; and the day following we came to Miletus.” (v.15) we witness the Apostle Paul’s journey by sea as he continues to press on toward Jerusalem (Acts 20:16). This brief but specific travel record illustrates Paul’s methodical progress from one port city to another, reflecting both his dedication to sharing the gospel and the urgency he felt to return to Jerusalem. Historically, this voyage occurs during Paul’s third missionary journey, which scholars commonly date to around AD 52-57. During that period, Paul tirelessly traveled throughout the Mediterranean world to strengthen established churches and further proclaim the message of Christ.
“Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios…” (v.15) places the group just west of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea near Chios, an island famed in ancient times for its maritime activities. “…the next day we crossed over to Samos…” (v.15) moves the narrative southeast toward Samos, an island recognized today for its proximity to modern-day Turkey’s coast. Finally, “…the day following we came to Miletus” (v.15) reveals their arrival at Miletus, an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) known for its prominent port, making it a strategic location for travel and commerce. At this critical stop, Paul would summon the Ephesian elders to encourage them and bid them farewell (Acts 20:17-38).
Within “…the day following we came to Miletus” (v.15) we see not only a record of places on a map, but also a snapshot of ministry in motion. Paul’s unwavering resolve to finish his course, even amid challenging travels, underscores the fire of his conviction and calling (2 Timothy 4:7). The verse highlights the precise detail with which Luke documented Paul’s movements, underscoring the reliability and historical grounding of the book of Acts. It further demonstrates how each stop presented opportunities for gospel work, fellowship, and the strengthening of believers, echoing the humility and dedication taught by Jesus Himself (John 15:12-14).
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Acts 20:15 meaning
In “Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios; and the next day we crossed over to Samos; and the day following we came to Miletus.” (v.15) we witness the Apostle Paul’s journey by sea as he continues to press on toward Jerusalem (Acts 20:16). This brief but specific travel record illustrates Paul’s methodical progress from one port city to another, reflecting both his dedication to sharing the gospel and the urgency he felt to return to Jerusalem. Historically, this voyage occurs during Paul’s third missionary journey, which scholars commonly date to around AD 52-57. During that period, Paul tirelessly traveled throughout the Mediterranean world to strengthen established churches and further proclaim the message of Christ.
“Sailing from there, we arrived the following day opposite Chios…” (v.15) places the group just west of Asia Minor in the Aegean Sea near Chios, an island famed in ancient times for its maritime activities. “…the next day we crossed over to Samos…” (v.15) moves the narrative southeast toward Samos, an island recognized today for its proximity to modern-day Turkey’s coast. Finally, “…the day following we came to Miletus” (v.15) reveals their arrival at Miletus, an ancient Greek city on the western coast of Asia Minor (present-day Turkey) known for its prominent port, making it a strategic location for travel and commerce. At this critical stop, Paul would summon the Ephesian elders to encourage them and bid them farewell (Acts 20:17-38).
Within “…the day following we came to Miletus” (v.15) we see not only a record of places on a map, but also a snapshot of ministry in motion. Paul’s unwavering resolve to finish his course, even amid challenging travels, underscores the fire of his conviction and calling (2 Timothy 4:7). The verse highlights the precise detail with which Luke documented Paul’s movements, underscoring the reliability and historical grounding of the book of Acts. It further demonstrates how each stop presented opportunities for gospel work, fellowship, and the strengthening of believers, echoing the humility and dedication taught by Jesus Himself (John 15:12-14).