Acts 16:8
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.
Original Language Analysis
παρελθόντες
they passing by
G3928
παρελθόντες
they passing by
Strong's:
G3928
Word #:
1 of 7
to come near or aside, i.e., to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 7
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:12Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,2 Timothy 4:13The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments.Acts 16:11Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;Acts 20:5These going before tarried for us at Troas.
Historical Context
Troas (Alexandria Troas) was founded by Antigonus I in 310 BC, later becoming a Roman colony under Augustus. It served as a major port connecting Asia Minor to Macedonia. This was Paul's second missionary journey (c. AD 49-52), and Luke may have joined the team here (note the 'we' passages beginning in v.10).
Questions for Reflection
- When has God's closed door in your life actually been redirection toward a better purpose?
- How does Paul's willingness to change plans demonstrate the difference between flexibility and faithlessness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas (παρελθόντες δὲ τὴν Μυσίαν κατέβησαν εἰς Τρῳάδα)—The verb παρελθόντες (parelthontes, 'passing by') suggests they traveled through Mysia but did not evangelize there, obeying the Spirit's prohibition (v.7). This geographical progression—from Phrygia through Mysia to Troas—traces divine sovereignty overriding human plans.
Troas was a Roman colony on the Aegean coast, the seaport from which Paul would cross into Macedonia after receiving the Macedonian vision (v.9). This seemingly mundane travel note marks a watershed moment: the gospel's transition from Asia to Europe. God's 'no' to Bithynia and Asia was preparation for His 'yes' to Macedonia—illustrating how divine guidance often redirects rather than merely restricts.