Acts 16:7
After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Original Language Analysis
ἐλθόντες
After they were come
G2064
ἐλθόντες
After they were come
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 15
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
κατὰ
into
G2596
κατὰ
into
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπείραζον
they assayed
G3985
ἐπείραζον
they assayed
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
5 of 15
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
κατὰ
into
G2596
κατὰ
into
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
6 of 15
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πορεύεσθαι·
to go
G4198
πορεύεσθαι·
to go
Strong's:
G4198
Word #:
9 of 15
to traverse, i.e., travel (literally or figuratively; especially to remove (figuratively, die), live, etc.)
καὶ
but
G2532
καὶ
but
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτοὺς
them
G846
αὐτοὺς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 15
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
Cross References
Acts 8:29Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.Romans 8:9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.Galatians 4:6And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.1 Peter 1:1Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,Philippians 1:19For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,1 Peter 1:11Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.
Historical Context
This geographical restriction redirected Paul from Asia Minor toward Europe. God's 'no' to eastward ministry enabled his 'yes' to westward advance, ultimately bringing the gospel to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern God's direction through closed doors as well as open opportunities?
- What does this teach about trusting God's strategic vision even when it means passing seemingly good opportunities?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Spirit's geographic restrictions - 'were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia' and the Spirit 'suffered them not' to go into Bithynia - demonstrates divine sovereignty in mission direction. Not all open doors are God's will; sometimes the Spirit closes opportunities to direct toward His specific purposes. This divine guidance led to the Macedonian vision and Europe's evangelization.