Acts 16:6
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,
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
χώραν
the region
G5561
χώραν
the region
Strong's:
G5561
Word #:
8 of 19
room, i.e., a space of territory (more or less extensive; often including its inhabitants)
κωλυθέντες
and were forbidden
G2967
κωλυθέντες
and were forbidden
Strong's:
G2967
Word #:
9 of 19
to estop, i.e., prevent (by word or act)
ὑπὸ
of
G5259
ὑπὸ
of
Strong's:
G5259
Word #:
10 of 19
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίου
the Holy
G40
ἁγίου
the Holy
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
12 of 19
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
πνεύματος
Ghost
G4151
πνεύματος
Ghost
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
13 of 19
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
the word
G3056
λόγον
the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
16 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
Cross References
Acts 18:23And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.Galatians 1:2And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Acts 11:12And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:1 Corinthians 16:1Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye.Galatians 3:1O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.
Historical Context
During the second missionary journey (AD 50), the Spirit prevented Asia ministry, redirecting Paul northward toward Troas. This seemingly closed door led to the Macedonian vision (Acts 16:9) and European evangelization, profoundly shaping Christianity's western expansion.
Questions for Reflection
- How can missionaries discern when God is closing doors versus when they face spiritual opposition?
- What does this passage teach about trusting God's timing and direction in ministry?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
The Holy Spirit's prohibition against preaching in Asia reveals divine sovereignty over missionary strategy—even good opportunities must yield to Spirit direction. This mysterious guidance redirected Paul toward Europe, demonstrating that effective mission requires sensitivity to divine timing and geography. God's 'no' proved as important as His 'yes.'