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Strong’s Greek 2113 expresses the idea of moving in a direct, unhindered line—“to run a straight course.” Beyond mere navigation, the term conveys progress without deviation, whether across open waters or through the unfolding plan of God.

Biblical Occurrences

•Acts 16:11: “So we set sail from Troas and ran a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis.”
•Acts 21:1: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we set sail and ran a straight course to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.”

In both settings Luke narrates missionary journeys that advance swiftly and efficiently, underscoring the Spirit-directed momentum of apostolic ministry.

Historical and Nautical Background

Mediterranean sailors prized direct routes, but prevailing winds, currents, and seasonal weather often forced detours. A “straight course” signified unusually favorable conditions—winds at the stern and calm seas. InActs 16:11 Paul and Silas cover roughly one hundred nautical miles from Troas to Samothrace in a single day, a distance that could easily take two or three under normal conditions. Likewise, the rapid leg from Miletus to Cos inActs 21:1 suggests a providential tailwind.

Theological Themes

1. Divine Guidance: The straight course illustrates God smoothing the way for His servants (Psalm 107:23-30;Proverbs 3:6).
2. Urgency of the Gospel: Swift travel mirrors the pressing mandate to reach unreached regions (Romans 15:19-24).
3. Providence Over Creation: Favorable winds reflect the Lord’s sovereignty over sea and weather (Job 38:8-11;Matthew 8:27).
4. Straight Paths Motif: Echoes Isaiah’s call to “make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3) andHebrews 12:13, where moral and doctrinal rectitude are pictured as level, straight pathways.

Ministry Application

• Expectation of Open Doors: As Paul experienced literal tailwinds, modern ministry can anticipate seasons of accelerated advance when God aligns circumstances.
• Readiness to Seize Momentum: The missionaries sailed immediately when conditions were right; churches should likewise move promptly when God provides opportunity.
• Encouragement Amid Opposition: Acts records fierce resistance, yet even brief notes of smooth sailing affirm that adversity does not nullify divine support.

Related Scriptural Motifs

Proverbs 4:25-27—keeping one’s feet from “evil” by staying on a level path.

Luke 3:4-6—the Baptist prepares “the way of the Lord” by calling for straight paths.

James 1:5-8—single-minded faith prevents the believer from being “driven and tossed by the wind,” contrasting with the steady advance implied by 2113.

Summary

Strong’s 2113 captures moments when God’s servants move rapidly and directly toward gospel objectives. Historically it denotes favorable sailing, yet spiritually it testifies that the Lord who commands seas also charts a straight course for the progress of His word.