Samothrace — Tyndale Open Bible Dictionary

Island in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea off the coast of the Roman province of Thrace. It was named Samothrace, or “Samos of Thrace,” to distinguish it from the other Samos (cf. Acts 20:15), which was also in the Aegean Sea but a little southwest of Ephesus. Samothrace was about halfway between Troas and Neapolis, the seaport of Philippi.

Show passage in OET: ACT 20:15

OET-RV ACT 20:15

15 After we left Mitulainai, we were out from Kios the next day, in Samos the day after that, and then the following day we arrived at Milaitos.

OET-LV ACT 20:15

15 And _from _there having _sailed _away, on _the_ following _day we _arrived opposite Ⱪios, and on _the next day we _arrived in Samos, and on _the_ following _day we _came to Milaʸtos.

Jump to OET ACT 20:15 section.

This island was the stopping place for the apostle Paul on his way from Troas to Neapolis on his second missionary journey (Acts 16:11). It is not clear whether Paul landed on the island or whether his boat only anchored off its coast before sailing for Neapolis the next day. The usual anchorage was on the north side of the island, since boats were thereby protected from the southeast wind. Apparently, Paul’s voyage from Troas to Neapolis via Samothrace was made with a fair wind behind the boat because it took two days. Returning, it took five days (see 20:6).

Show passage in OET: ACT 16:11

OET-RV ACT 16:11

11 From Troias we sailed directly to Samothrakai, and then on to Neapolis the following day.

OET-LV ACT 16:11

11 therefore having _been _launched from Trōias, we _ran _straight to Samothrakaʸ, and on _the_ following _day to New City,

Show passage in OET: ACT 20:6

OET-RV ACT 20:6

6 So we sailed out from Filippou (Philippi) after the Flat Bread Celebration. We arrived and meet the others there at Troias after a five-day trip, and then stayed on there for seven days.

OET-LV ACT 20:6

6 And we sailed _away from Filippou after the days of_ the _non-fermented bread, and until five days came to them at the Trōias, where we _stayed seven days.

Jump to OET ACT 16:11 section.

Jump to OET ACT 20:6 section.

Samothrace is a mountainous island, with its central peak the highest point in the northern part of the Aegean, second in height only to Mt Athos on the mainland. The island has always been, in clear weather, an ancient landmark for sailors sailing between Troas and Neapolis. It is about 20 miles (32.2 kilometers) in circumference.