Theme Number 37 The Spirit Controlled Missionary

Acts 16:1-9 Contents: Paul finds Timothy. Paul’s Macedonian vision.

Act 16:5  So the Churches went on gaining a stronger faith and growing in numbers from day to day.

Act 16:6  Then Paul and his companions passed through Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Message in the province of Asia.

Act 16:7  When they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this.

Act 16:8  So, passing along Mysia, they came to Troas.

Act 16:9  Here, one night, Paul saw a vision. There was a Macedonian who was standing, entreating him and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

The Second Missionary Journey

Act 16:6  Then Paul and his companions passed through Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the Message in the province of Asia.

After taking Timothy as a new Companion, at Lystra in Lycia they travelled through Galatia and Phrygia which were Two Roman districts of South East Asia Minor strengthening the churches.

They were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the message in the Province of Asia.

From Pisidian Antioch in the region of Phrygia and Galatia Paul evidently intends to make his way straight west into the Roman province of Asia on the Via Sebaste, 150 miles to Colosse and then 150 more to Ephesus. We are not told how, but the Holy Spirit clearly prevents them from taking that route so that they could preach the word in Asia. This occurs probably before they set off or early in their passage, for they evidently turn northward ( west )almost immediately.Bible Gateway/IVP Commentary.

JFB says, “to preach the word in Asia — not the great Asiatic continent, nor even the rich peninsula now called Asia Minor, but only so much of its western coast as constituted the Roman province of Asia.

This clear Direction of the Holy Spirit could have been revealed to the heart of the Leader while in prayer, or by a Word of Prophecy  etc. The main thing was that they obeyed.

Act 16:7  When they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this.

They had attempted to preach in the province of Asia and now they  are ready to turn North East to

Bythinia. Paul was a real Missionary and had the desire to Preach the Good News to the Regions Beyond. See 2 Cor 10:12-16

Not boasting of things without our measure - There is here probably an allusion to the false teachers at Corinth. They had come after Paul had been there, and had entered into his labors. When he had founded the church; when he had endured trials and persecutions in order to reach Corinth; when he had labored there for a year and a half Act_18:11, they came and entered the quiet and easy field, formed parties. and claimed the field as their own. Paul says that he had not courage to do that; see note, 2Co_10:12. That required a species of boldness to which he could lay no claim; and he did not assume honor to himself like that.

That is, of other men’s labors - Not intruding into churches which we did not establish, and claiming the right to direct their affairs, and to exclude the founders from all proper honors and all influence, and endeavoring to alienate the affections of Christians from their spiritual father and guide. Barnes Notes

Act 16:8  So, passing along Mysia, they came to Troas.

Act 16:9  Here, one night, Paul saw a vision. There was a Macedonian who was standing, entreating him and saying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

The Night Vision of the Macedonian Call for help

Paul’s Vision in the Night they were directed to the Chosen and Right Place

At this Port City of Troas they were waiting for Divine direction. they had been steered away from the Roman Provinces of Asia and Bythinia. The Lord Jesus who is the Lord of the harvest wanted them in Macedonia.

“In a vision (compare 9:12; 18:9; 22:17; 26:16) he sees and hears a man of Macedonia . . . begging him, "Come over to Macedonia and help us." This "begging" is a strong appeal (compare 13:42).

Now that Paul has received extraordinary and circumstantial guidance, his team corporately reasons, putting together (symbibazo) the positive and negative guidance, to the conclusion that God has called them to evangelize the Macedonians (compare 13:2). And they act immediately, getting ready (literally "seeking") to leave for Macedonia.

How does God guide his church to the right place for mission? There will be "closed" as well as "open doors." There will be guidance addressed to individuals as well as to the entire team. There will be guidance via circumstances, sometimes extraordinary, as well as through the use of reason in evaluating circumstances in the light of God's Word. And specific guidance will come only to those who are already on the road, living out their general obedience to the Great Commission. Being able to say, "God sent me; I come with the wind at my back," is a strong witness to one's hearers that one's message is from God and true.”