Patara was a prominent maritime city on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor, situated at the mouth of the Xanthus River in ancient Lycia (modern‐day Gelemiş, Turkey). Sheltered by a long, curving beach and protected by surrounding hills, its harbor provided one of the finest anchorages along the Mediterranean trade lanes that connected Syria, Egypt, and the Aegean.

Biblical Occurrence

The lone New Testament reference appears in Acts 21:1, where Luke records a brief stop made by Paul and his companions while en route from Miletus toward Jerusalem: “After we had torn ourselves away from them, we put out to sea and sailed straight to Cos, the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.”

Historical Background

1. Lycian Influence: Patara belonged to the Lycian League, famed for its early form of republican governance.
2. Hellenistic and Roman Eras: Alexander the Great’s forces captured Patara in the fourth century B.C. Later, under Roman rule, it became the administrative capital of Lycia‐Pamphylia, housing a provincial governor and standing as a crucial naval base for Rome’s eastern fleet.
3. Religious Atmosphere: The city was renowned for an oracle of Apollo, second only to Delphi. Pagan worship flourished, yet Patara’s openness to seafaring traffic also meant early exposure to the gospel.

Commercial Importance and Harbor Facilities

Patara was a compulsory port of call for east–west shipping. Its capacious harbor allowed large Alexandrian grain vessels to winter safely, making it a favored transfer point for passengers seeking faster connections. This logistical convenience explains Paul’s decision to disembark there in order to secure passage on a ship bound directly for Phoenicia (Acts 21:2).

Relevance to Paul’s Third Missionary Journey

Paul’s choice of route reveals strategic planning under divine guidance. By changing ships at Patara he avoided the slower coastal hauls and gained precious time, underscoring his determination to reach Jerusalem by Pentecost (Acts 20:16). The stop also demonstrates Luke’s eye for accuracy; each geographical detail aligns with known Roman sailing patterns, reinforcing the historical reliability of Acts.

Patara and the Early Christian Witness

Though Scripture does not mention a local church, Paul’s passing presence likely left a seedbed for evangelism. Early church tradition credits Patara as the birthplace of Nicholas of Myra (fourth century A.D.), suggesting that Christian influence eventually took root. The transformation from a pagan oracle center to a city remembered for a Christian bishop highlights the triumph of the gospel over entrenched idolatry.

Archaeological Insights

Excavations have uncovered:
• A massive triple‐arched city gate (first century A.D.) bearing an inscription honoring the Roman Emperor Claudius.
• A well‐preserved theater capable of seating over six thousand spectators, indicating significant urban prosperity.
• A granary commissioned by Hadrian, illustrating the port’s role in feeding the empire.

These finds corroborate Luke’s portrayal of Patara as a major, well‐supplied harbor suited to the requirements of Paul’s voyage.

Theological and Ministry Significance

1. Providence in Travel: Patara exemplifies God’s sovereignty in mundane logistics. A safe harbor and a ready vessel enabled Paul to continue his Spirit‐directed mission (Acts 20:22).
2. Gospel Advance through Commerce: The city’s bustling trade routes became conduits for carrying the message of Christ beyond Judea and Asia Minor.
3. Strategic Stewardship: Paul modeled wise stewardship of time and resources, demonstrating that careful planning and spiritual zeal are not mutually exclusive.

Lessons for Today

• Utilize modern “harbors”—airports, digital platforms, trade hubs—as opportunities for gospel engagement.
• Trust divine orchestration in travel and scheduling while exercising diligent planning.
• Recognize that even brief stops, like Paul’s day in Patara, may hold lasting kingdom impact.

Patara’s single New Testament mention belies its substantial part in the unfolding drama of Acts: a maritime crossroads used by God to speed His servant toward the fulfillment of a Spirit‐given mandate.