The Macedonian Call

During their travels through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, Paul and his companions were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6). When they arrived at the border of Mysia, the group attempted to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them to do so (Acts 16:7). Consequently, they passed by Mysia and traveled down to the coastal city of Troas.

While they were in Troas, a vision appeared to Paul during the night. In this vision, a man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, "Come over to Macedonia and help us" (Acts 16:9). The text does not say what the man looked like or provide further dialogue beyond this specific request. Following this vision, the group immediately sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called them to preach the gospel to the people there (Acts 16:10).

Paul, Silas, and Timothy were joined by the narrator, who records the events using the pronoun "we" starting in Troas. The text does not say how the Holy Spirit communicated the prohibitions regarding Asia and Bithynia, nor does it detail the specific route taken to reach the coast beyond passing Mysia. The group prepared to leave for Macedonia based solely on the instruction received in the night vision (Acts 16:10).