Myra lay on the southern coast of the Roman province of Lycia, today near Demre on the Mediterranean shore of Turkey. Nestled at the mouth of the Andriacus River, it commanded a naturally sheltered harbor only a short sail east of Rhodes and northwest of Cyprus. Its position at the crossroads of sea-lanes linking Alexandria, Syria, Italy, and Greece made it an essential way-station for imperial grain ships and military transports alike.

Biblical Context

Luke records a single New Testament mention: “After sailing across the open sea off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra in Lycia” (Acts 27:5). Paul, under Roman guard and en route to stand trial before Caesar, was transferred here from an Adramyttian coastal vessel to an Alexandrian grain ship bound for Italy (Acts 27:6). The change of ships in Myra set the stage for the storm, shipwreck, and eventual arrival in Rome that completes the Book of Acts.

Historical and Cultural Background

Myra was already an old Lycian city by Paul’s day, famed for its rock-cut tombs, theater, and a prominent temple to Artemis. Under Rome, it became the metropolis of the Lycian League, minting its own coins and housing a garrison to police the busy shipping lanes. Greek and Roman inscriptions attest to thriving civic life and extensive trade with Egypt, Syria, and the Aegean.

Maritime Importance

Roman law required Egypt’s great grain fleets to hug the Asian coast before striking westward, and Myra’s deepwater roadstead provided both a customs checkpoint and a place to exchange crews or passengers. The centurion Julius (Acts 27:1) wisely waited for an Alexandrian vessel large enough to transport prisoners, soldiers, and cargo safely across the open Mediterranean. Luke’s precise nautical detail bolsters the historical reliability of Acts and aligns with known first-century shipping practice.

Role in Paul’s Journey and Apostolic Strategy

1. Divine Providence. The seemingly mundane port transfer advanced God’s sovereign plan: Paul would testify “in Rome also” (Acts 23:11). Myra thus became a pivot point in moving the gospel witness from the eastern Mediterranean to the heart of the empire.
2. Validation of Luke’s Eyewitness Account. Nautical experts note that the route described from Caesarea to Sidon, past Cilicia and Pamphylia, and into Myra is the logical winter corridor for a coasting vessel. Such accuracy underscores Scripture’s trustworthiness.
3. Picture of the Church’s Mission. Paul’s forced journey, though under chains, resulted in evangelism to sailors, soldiers, islanders on Malta, and finally the Praetorian Guard (Philippians 1:12-13). Myra is the hinge between these fields of ministry.

Archaeological and Extrabiblical Witness

• The partially preserved theater (seating c. ten thousand) and adjacent agora confirm Myra’s prosperity.
• Rock-cut tomb façades and Lycian inscriptions attest to a wealthy, Hellenized population.
• The harbor of Andriake, two miles southwest, has yielded anchors, amphorae, and a granary erected by Emperor Hadrian, illustrating the port’s continuing role in the grain trade.
• Early Byzantine basilica foundations reveal a Christian presence within two centuries of Paul, likely seeded by the coastal traffic his voyage typified.

Later Christian Heritage

Myra became the episcopal see of Nicholas of Myra (fourth century), remembered for generosity and theological steadfastness at the Council of Nicaea. While later than the New Testament era, this heritage underscores how maritime hubs rapidly evolved into centers of Christian influence.

Spiritual and Ministry Applications

• Trust in God’s Guidance. Even an unscheduled port call served the larger redemptive purpose. Believers today can view detours as divine appointments.
• Witness in Transit. Paul’s faithful testimony amid “open sea” travel (Acts 27:24-25) encourages proclaiming Christ wherever circumstances place us—ports, prisons, or palaces.
• Scripture’s Historical Reliability. Luke’s accurate nautical and geographical data strengthens confidence that the same record is equally trustworthy in its doctrine and promises.

Key References

Acts 27:5-6; Acts 23:11; Philippians 1:12-13