Led by the Holy Spirit and encouraged by their faith in the risen Christ, Paul, Silas and Timothy set out to advance the gospel in Syria and Cilicia.
“6 Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” (Acts 16:6)
Phrygia was a Roman province in the west central part of Anatolia, west of Lycaonia in Asia Minor, running down to the seacoast of the Ægean Sea. Galatia was also a Roman province, located north of Lycaonia. Galatia received its name from a settlement of Gauls, an offshoot of a Gallic invasion of Greece in the third century before Christ.
The missionaries were also led away from the Roman province of Asia, and Ephesus, its capital. It is not know why God did not want the gospel preached in Asia on this occasion, as it eventually would, but it was clear to Paul, Silas and Timothy that their mission would take them elsewhere.
“7 After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” (Acts 16:7)
The missionaries continued their journey throughout the region, and came near the Roman province or Bithynia, located in the northwest of Asia Minor, where they once again were led away by the Holy Spirit.
“8 So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.” (Acts 16:8)
As they passed through the region of Mysia, Paul, Silas and Timothy came to the city of Troas, located about four miles from the site of ancient Troy. Troas was a transit harbor for those crossing from Asia to Greece.
“9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” 10 Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (Acts 16:9-10)
In troas, Paul had a vision of a Macedonian man pleading for him to journey to the nearby country, where the missionaries would continue their journey, led by the Holy Spirit. Let’s pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Luke,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com
