Bible Reading: Acts 16
Acts 16:6-7 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia, After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Paul was accompanied with Silas on his second missionary journey. They left out of Antioch and headed into the regions of Phrygia and Galatia. They visited some of the churches that Paul and Barnabas had started on their previous preaching tour. They encouraged the brethren and delivered the decrees from the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. When they departed from Galatia, they wanted to head southwest into Syria, but the Bible says they were forbidden of the Holy Ghost.
This is a curious statement. Why would the Holy Ghost forbid two preachers from going somewhere to preach the gospel? After this they headed to Mysia and decided they would go northeast into Bithynia, but once again the Spirit suffered them not. The story is something like this:
Imagine they were preaching in Texas and were in the Panhandle. They decide to go into New Mexico, but the Holy Ghost forbids this. So they decide to head to Oklahoma and preach, but once again the Spirit says no. Now they are right on the border of Texas and trying to determine where the Holy Ghost is directing them.
It was in Troas that Paul had a dream. In his dream a man from Macedonia was asking them to come to Macedonia and help him. After this he and Silas determined that this was the leadership of the Holy Spirit directing them where he wanted them to go. In our example it would be like the Holy Ghost saying, not New Mexico and not Oklahoma, but Colorado is where I want you to go.
Acts 16:10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
This is a wonderful example in Scripture of the guidance of the Holy Spirit at work. He told them ‘no’ twice before he directed them. Does he still do this today? Yes, he does. And many times, he uses circumstances to direct his disciples. They key to understanding the Spirit’s guidance is stay in constant communication with him. Pray and read God’s Word. His Spirit will lead you.
Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
In Christ,
Rody
