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3. The Holy Spirit Prevents the Apostles from Entering Bithynia, in the Province of Asia (Acts 16:6-10)
ACTS 16:6-10
6 When they had gone through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. 7 When they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn’t allow them. 8 Passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 A vision appeared to Paul in the night. There was a man of Macedonia standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” 10 When he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them.
Sometimes Christ tests his apostles through heavy trials. One sort of trial is when He remains silent to their prayers, or when He rejects their plans in spite of their pressing demands. Paul and Silas passed together through the region, preaching to the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch of Anatolia. At last they arrived at the border of their previous missionary journey. At this point Paul’s original plan to visit and strengthen the infant churches had ended (15:36). Now what should they do? Should they go backward, or forward?
These two preachers prayed that the Lord might show them if He wanted them to thrust forth into Ephesus, the important capital of the Roman province of Asia. The Holy Spirit objected to their request, and said, “no.” Should they go back? Should they stay in Iconium? There again came the Spirit´s “no”. The men of God had no particular plans. It is probable that Paul wanted to go to Ephesus, the center of the Roman province. He dared, however, not travel there, since it would involve opposing the will of his Lord. He continuously asked for his Lord´s guidance, knowing that every move forward in the kingdom of God without the Lord’s command is sin, and thus subject to quick failure.
Silas was a prophet (15:32) through whom the Holy Spirit spoke directly. This Spirit had already confirmed to the Gentile believers their freedom from subordination to the law. But even Silas did not get an answer from God as to where they should go next or what they should do. The Spirit of God had struck down all their plans. At last they went north, trusting in God, then east toward Galatia, then to the west with the Holy Spirit guiding them. From there they once again went north until they arrived from their exhausting travel at Troas, on the Mediterranean Sea coast. Here the sea stood before their eyes.
Why had God had not spoken to them? They probably recalled the unhappy contention with Barnabas, and their separation from him because of Mark. Did they commit any mistake, thereby grieving the Holy Spirit and causing Him to move away from them? They probably thought of Timothy’s circumcision. Was this act of expediency contrary to freedom from the law, and therefore the cause of their spiritual power being restricted? Is it possible that the formation of their mission team did not meet the Lord’s satisfaction? Did any of them commit a certain sin? Did they violate anything in the principles of their preaching? These questions moved them towards repentance, brokenness, ardent prayer, and the holding fast to faith by grace alone. They realized anew that neither their obedience to Christ nor their true teaching was the reason for the blessing, fruit, and power of God flowing in and through them. It was the grace of Christ alone that had chosen, called, appointed, sanctified, and preserved them. The preachers had not a speck of merit of their own. Their behavior or success was in no way a stamp of approval upon their work. It is only faith in the free grace of Him who was crucified that produces fruit, thankfulness, and peace. The blood of Christ cleanses us from all sin, and preserves us in our communion with God. The reconciliation made on the cross is the only source of power and authority for the ministers of the Lord.
After long struggles of faith following nights of self-examination, brokenness and complete repentance, God suddenly spoke to Paul in a vision. Paul saw a man clothed like a Macedonian standing on the opposite shore, crying out: “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” It was not Christ that had appeared to the apostle of the Gentiles, but a simple peasant seeking salvation, and expressing his need. This call to salvation represents the need of all of Europe for the light of the orient, and not vice versa.
Following the vision the three men began conversing about its meaning. They recognized in it a certainty from the Holy Spirit that Jesus did not want them to be in Asia, but was sending them to the west, toward Rome. They understood the dream as a divine call and demand to preach the gospel to the nation of Alexander the Great.
Immediately these preachers complied with the call, and began looking for a ship. They did not study the Macedonian language, nor did they ask about acquaintances and mediators there. They set out as soon as the Holy Spirit spoke to them, which followed a long silence. They confirmed the grace that was giving them light and guidance toward a new horizon. Now that the pressing burden had passed, a great joy began flooding in. They sailed cheerfully, singing spiritual songs and hymns. The storm of the love of God had blown once again onto their sail.
From verse 10 Luke, the author of the book, changes the narrative from the third person to the first person plural, beginning his speech with “we”. The reason for this literary phenomenon is that the physician joined Paul’s company in Troas, at the time God appointed. From here they would continue their second missionary journey, toward the harvest in the new countries. From now on we will hear the news from an eyewitness about the wonders the living Christ worked through His servants in His triumphal procession in Europe.
Luke was sure that the Lord had united him with the three men, so that they might glorify the name of the Lord together. It is probable that he had met Paul previously, when he was in Antioch of Syria. Now they would be working together to open Europe for Christ.
PRAYER: O Lord Jesus Christ, we thank You, for along with these four men you called us, we who are unfruitful and unworthy to glorify Your name in our surroundings. Keep us from imprudent steps and sanctify our designs, so that we may do Your will and recognize the time and place in which we can glorify You.
QUESTION:
- What was the meaning of the Holy Spirit’s prohibiting the believers from pursuing their intended ministry, and what was the meaning of His calling them to new service?