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,

Now {G1161} when they had gone throughout {G1330} Phrygia {G5435} and {G2532} the region {G5561} of Galatia {G1054}, and were forbidden {G2967} of {G5259} the Holy {G40} Ghost {G4151} to preach {G2980} the word {G3056} in {G1722} Asia {G773},

They traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, because they had been prevented by the Ruach HaKodesh from speaking the message in the province of Asia.

After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia.

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

Commentary

Acts 16:6 marks a pivotal moment in Paul’s second missionary journey, illustrating the direct and sovereign guidance of the Holy Spirit in the early church's evangelistic efforts.

Context

This verse finds Paul, Silas, and later Timothy, traveling through the Roman provinces of Asia Minor. After a significant council in Jerusalem (see Acts 15) and the start of Paul's second journey (beginning in Acts 15:40), they were moving westward through regions like Phrygia and Galatia. Their initial intention might have been to preach in the populous Roman province of Asia, which included major cities like Ephesus. However, the Holy Spirit intervened, redirecting their path.

Key Themes

  • Divine Guidance in Missions: The most prominent theme is the active and specific direction of the Holy Spirit in missionary endeavors. The early apostles were not merely following their own strategic plans but were led by God's Spirit, highlighting that mission is God's work, not solely human enterprise. This echoes the Spirit's role in sending out Barnabas and Saul in Acts 13:2.
  • Sovereignty of God's Plan: God had a precise plan for the spread of the Gospel, extending it beyond Asia Minor into Europe. The prohibition to preach in Asia was not a permanent one (Paul later spent significant time in Ephesus, a key city in Asia, as seen in Acts 19:1), but a strategic diversion for that specific time, paving the way for the Gospel to reach Macedonia.
  • Obedience to the Spirit: Paul and his companions demonstrated immediate obedience to the Holy Spirit's leading, even when it meant altering their immediate plans or bypassing what might have seemed like a logical and fruitful mission field.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "forbidden of the Holy Ghost" uses the Greek word kōlyō (κωλύω), which means "to hinder," "to restrain," or "to prevent." This indicates a clear and active intervention by the Holy Spirit, not merely a lack of opportunity or a change of mind by Paul. It suggests a direct divine communication or impression that altered their course.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Seek God's Direction: Just as Paul sought and received divine guidance, we are encouraged to pray for and listen to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives, ministries, and decision-making.
  • Embrace Detours: Sometimes, God's "no" or a redirection is not a denial of purpose but a redirection to a greater, more strategic path. What might seem like a setback can be God opening a door to an unexpected and more impactful opportunity, as seen when this prohibition led to the Macedonian call.
  • Trust God's Timing: God's plans unfold according to His perfect timing and wisdom. We may not always understand the reasons for His leading in the moment, but we can trust that His ultimate purpose is good and sovereign.
Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Acts 18:23 (6 votes)

    And 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.

  • Acts 11:12 (4 votes)

    And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:

  • Acts 13:2 (4 votes)

    As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

  • Acts 13:4 (4 votes)

    ¶ So they, being sent forth by the Holy Ghost, departed unto Seleucia; and from thence they sailed to Cyprus.

  • Acts 16:7 (4 votes)

    After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.

  • Galatians 1:2 (4 votes)

    And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia:

  • 1 Peter 1:1 (3 votes)

    ¶ Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,