Acts 16:6-10·~1 min

Paul’s Vision of the Macedonian

The Spirit prevents the missionaries from speaking the word in Asia, and when they try to enter Bithynia the Spirit of Jesus does not permit them. So they pass by Mysia and go down to Troas.

A⁶fter the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. ⁷And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them. ⁸So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

In the night Paul sees a Macedonian man pleading for help. As soon as he has seen the vision, the group prepares to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God has called them to preach the gospel there.

⁹During the night, Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰As soon as Paul had seen the vision, we got ready to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Section summaryAs Paul and his companions travel through Phrygia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit prevents them from speaking in Asia and the Spirit of Jesus does not permit them to enter Bithynia. In Troas Paul sees a Macedonian man pleading for help, and the company concludes that God is calling them to preach the gospel in Macedonia.

Role in the chapterThis section shows that the journey's route is being shaped more by closed doors and vision than by ordinary strategy. The mission's next field opens not by Paul choosing it first but by God summoning him there.