Lexical Summary Adramutténos: Adramyttian Original Word: Ἀδραμυττηνός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of Adramyttium. From Adramutteion (a place in Asia Minor); Adramyttene or belonging to Adramyttium -- of Adramyttium. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain origin Definition of Adramyttium, a seaport of Mysia NASB Translation Adramyttian (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 98: ἈδραμυττηνόςἈδραμυττηνός, (ή, , of Adramyttium (Ἀδραμύττιον, Ἀδραμύττειον, Ἀδραμμύτειον (also Ἀτραμμυτ., etc., cf. Poppo, Thucydides part i, vol. ii., p. 441f; Wetstein (1752) on Acts, as below; WH Ἀδραμυντηνός, cf. their Introductory § 408 and Appendix, p. 160)), a seaport of Mysia: Acts 27:2 (modern Edremit, Ydramit, Adramiti, etc.; cf. McClintock and Strong's Cyclopaedia under the word Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Adramyttium lay on the north-eastern shore of the Aegean, in the Roman province of Asia, opposite the island of Lesbos. Sheltered by the Ida mountain range and fed by several river outlets, its harbor functioned as a regional hub for coastal traffic north toward Troas and south toward Ephesus. The surrounding valley produced grain, timber, and resin, commodities that naturally encouraged a vigorous maritime commerce. Historical Background Founded during the late Lydian or early Persian era, the city likely derived its name from Adramys, a brother of the Lydian king Croesus. Under Alexander the Great and later the Attalid dynasty of Pergamum, Adramyttium received Hellenistic civic institutions, temples, a theater, and colonnaded streets. When Rome bequeathed Asia Minor to itself in 133 BC, the harbor became a customs station for the senatorial province of Asia. By the first century, inscriptions attest to a resident Italian trading community and a functioning assize court, making the city familiar to Roman officials seeking transport along the coast or across the Aegean. Biblical Occurrence and Narrative Setting (Acts 27:1-2) Luke records that Paul, after his prolonged detention at Caesarea, was placed under the custody of the centurion Julius: “We boarded an Adramyttian ship that was about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, was with us.” (Acts 27:2) 1. The vessel hailed from Adramyttium; its master intended to work the cabotage route, stopping at multiple Asian ports to discharge and take on cargo. Ministry Significance Paul’s embarkation on an Adramyttian vessel highlights several facets of apostolic mission: • Providence in Ordinary Means – Christ had promised, “You must testify also in Rome” (Acts 23:11). Rather than an overtly miraculous conveyance, God employs a commercial coaster from Adramyttium, underscoring that divine sovereignty works through everyday structures of empire and economy. • Fellowship in Travel – The narrative notes Aristarchus of Thessalonica alongside Luke. Shared hardship at sea forged deeper bonds among believers and modeled the mutual support later urged in letters such as Philippians 1:27-30. • Gospel Reach – Each intermediate port represented a potential point of contact for the spread of the gospel. Even though no preaching scenes are described on this leg, the journey itself widened Paul’s acquaintance with sailors, soldiers, merchants, and local inhabitants, laying groundwork for future witness in Asia and beyond. Theological Reflections 1. Historical Veracity – Luke’s naming of a specific home port aligns with his broader commitment to accurate historiography (Luke 1:3-4). Archaeological evidence for Adramyttium’s maritime prominence corroborates the account, reinforcing the trustworthiness of Scripture. 2. Sovereign Guidance Amid Constraint – Paul is technically a prisoner, yet every movement advances God’s redemptive purpose. Believers today find encouragement that no circumstance—courtroom, prison, or storm-tossed ship—lies outside the Lord’s directing hand (Romans 8:28). 3. Local Particulars, Universal Mission – The single mention of an Adramyttian ship depicts how particular places and people become woven into the unfolding plan of salvation history. The gospel honors local cultures while calling all to allegiance to Christ. Archaeological and Scholarly Notes • Harbor remains near modern Edremit reveal stone quays and breakwaters contemporaneous with the early imperial period. Amphora stamps from the region bear the legend ΑΔΡΑΜΥ, indicating a robust export of wine and olive oil. Lessons for Christian Living • Value Faithful Detail – Luke’s precision in small facts invites believers to pursue integrity in testimony and scholarship. Strong’s Greek number 98 stands as a reminder that even a single, seemingly incidental word can open windows into geography, history, and the sovereign orchestration of God’s mission. Forms and Transliterations Αδραμυντηνω Ἁδραμυντηνῷ Ἀδραμυττηνῷ adramutteno adramuttēnō Adramytteno Adramyttēnō Adramyttenôi Adramyttēnō̂iLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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