As quickly as possible — the superlative of swiftness, used for urgent sailing decisions and the urgency of departure.
The Greek tachista is the superlative adverb from tachus (quick/swift), meaning 'as quickly as possible' or 'most swiftly.' It appears in Acts 17:15, where Paul's companions escort him to Athens and 'received instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible (tachista).' The word captures urgency — the apostolic mission moves at pace because the window for proclamation is always closing. In Acts 17:14, Paul was sent away from Berea quickly because of the agitators from Thessalonica, and the tachista instructions were given immediately.
The tachista of Acts 17:15 reflects the tempo of Pauline mission. Paul's movements — forced by persecution, guided by the Spirit, seized by opportunity — required swift response from his team. The gospel moved quickly because Paul's enemies moved quickly. Yet the urgency is not frantic; Paul arrives in Athens and, while waiting for his companions, begins reasoning daily in the agora. Tachista travel becomes logos time: every city is an opportunity for proclamation. The speed of the mission reflects the theology of redemption — time is short, the harvest is large, the workers are few (Luke 10:2).