Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 27:2

"And embarking in a ship of Adramyttium, which was about to sail unto the places on the coast of Asia, we put to sea, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us." — Acts 27:2 (ASV)

A ship of Adramyttium. A maritime town of Mysia in Asia Minor, opposite the island of Lesbos. This ship had either been built there or sailed from that port, and was then in the port of Caesarea. It is evident from Acts 27:6 that this ship was not expected to sail to Italy, but that the centurion expected to find some other vessel into which he could put the prisoners to take them to Rome.

We launched. We loosed from our anchorage, or we set sail. See Acts 13:13.

By the coasts of Asia. Of Asia Minor. Probably the owners of the ship designed to make a coasting voyage along the southern part of Asia Minor and to engage in trade with the maritime towns and cities.

One Aristarchus, a Macedonian. This man is mentioned as Paul's companion in travel in Acts 19:29. He afterwards attended him to Macedonia and returned with him to Asia (Acts 20:4). He now appears to have attended him, not as a prisoner, but as a voluntary companion, choosing to share his dangers and to enjoy the benefit of his society and friendship. He went with him to Rome and was a fellow-prisoner with him there (Colossians 4:10), and is mentioned as Paul's fellow-laborer (Philemon 1:24).

It was doubtless a great comfort to Paul to have with him two such valuable friends as Luke and Aristarchus. Indeed, it was an instance of great affection for him that they were not ashamed of his bonds, but were willing to share his dangers and expose themselves to peril for the sake of accompanying him to Rome.