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.
Original Language Analysis
ὡς
after
G5613
ὡς
after
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
1 of 19
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὅραμα
the vision
G3705
ὅραμα
the vision
Strong's:
G3705
Word #:
4 of 19
something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)
εἶδεν
he had seen
G1492
εἶδεν
he had seen
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 19
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ἐζητήσαμεν
we endeavoured
G2212
ἐζητήσαμεν
we endeavoured
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
7 of 19
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 19
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συμβιβάζοντες
assuredly gathering
G4822
συμβιβάζοντες
assuredly gathering
Strong's:
G4822
Word #:
12 of 19
causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
13 of 19
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
προσκέκληται
had called
G4341
προσκέκληται
had called
Strong's:
G4341
Word #:
14 of 19
to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Κύριος
the Lord
G2962
Κύριος
the Lord
Strong's:
G2962
Word #:
17 of 19
supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)
Historical Context
This vision circa AD 50 redirected Christianity westward into Europe, specifically Macedonia (modern Greece). Philippi, a Roman colony, became the first European church. This seemingly small decision—responding to a nighttime vision—altered history's trajectory, bringing the gospel to the continent that would later send missionaries worldwide.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's guidance through circumstances, especially when doors close unexpectedly?
- What would immediate obedience to God's clear calling look like in your life right now?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And after he had seen the vision (ὡς τὸ ὅραμα εἶδεν)—The 'man of Macedonia' vision (v. 9) redirected Paul's entire missionary strategy, bringing the gospel to Europe. God sovereignly guides mission through both closed doors (vv. 6-7, the Spirit forbidding Asia) and open visions. Immediately we endeavoured (εὐθέως ἐζητήσαμεν) shows prompt obedience—no hesitation, debate, or delay when divine direction becomes clear.
The shift to 'we' marks Luke's personal involvement in Paul's mission—this is eyewitness testimony. The phrase assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us (συμβιβάζοντες ὅτι προσκέκληται ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός) means 'concluding' or 'inferring with certainty.' They interpreted circumstances through Scripture and prayer, discerning God's call. Note the inclusive us—God's call extends to the team, not just the individual. To preach the gospel unto them defines mission's purpose: evangelistic proclamation, not mere cultural exchange or humanitarian aid.