Acts 27:2
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us. And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Paul boarded a ship belonging to Adramyttium to begin the first stage of the journey toward Rome, meaning to sail along the coasts of Asia. That vessel could carry the travelers only part of the way, for Adramyttium lay on the west coast of the province of Asia, and at one of the larger ports where it stopped they could transfer to a ship bound for Rome. From Caesarea he thus began the long and tedious voyage to Italy as a prisoner in chains to endure trying experiences.
The voyage took place when sea travel was perilous, for sailors navigated largely by the sun and stars, so storms or poor visibility made shipowners wary of open water, and during part of the year safe navigation was difficult, nearly impossible. With him went Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, accompanying him on the voyage to Rome. He was permitted the companionship of Luke as well as Aristarchus, which greatly lightened the hardship of his lot.
Aristarchus was with him by choice, sharing his bondage and imprisonment out of affection in order to minister to him and care for him in his afflictions and hardships. Paul later called him his fellow prisoner. This prisoner voyage served God's purpose, giving the ship's crew and other non-Jews opportunity to witness God's power, hear about Jesus, and be led to believe through teaching and miracles.