Acts 16:7

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

After they were come {G2064} to {G2596} Mysia {G3465}, they assayed {G3985} to go {G4198} into {G2596} Bithynia {G978}: but {G2532} the Spirit {G4151} suffered {G1439} them {G846} not {G3756}.

When they came to the frontier of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia; but the Spirit of Yeshua would not let them.

And when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.

and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;

Commentary

Acts 16:7 marks a pivotal moment in the Apostle Paul's second missionary journey, illustrating the direct and active guidance of the Holy Spirit in the early church's evangelistic efforts. After traversing various regions, Paul and his companions sought to enter Bithynia, a Roman province known for its strategic location, but were divinely restrained.

Context

This verse follows Paul's previous attempts to preach the Gospel in different parts of Asia Minor. Accompanied by Silas and the newly joined Timothy, Paul had already been forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia (Acts 16:6). This indicates a clear pattern of divine intervention, not just a single instance. Having passed through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they arrived at Mysia, bordering Bithynia. Their intention to move north into Bithynia, likely to reach more populated areas or seaports, was a logical strategic choice from a human perspective, yet it was not God's chosen path for this leg of Paul's missionary journeys.

Key Themes

  • Divine Direction and Sovereignty: The most prominent theme is the absolute sovereignty of God, exercised through the Holy Spirit, in guiding the church's mission. The Spirit's direct prohibition demonstrates that God's plans supersede human logic or strategic considerations for spreading the Gospel.
  • Submission to God's Will: Paul and his team exemplify profound obedience. Despite their missionary zeal and well-intentioned plans, they immediately yielded to the Spirit's unseen hand, showcasing a vital aspect of walking in God's will and trusting His leading.
  • Closed Doors as Divine Redirection: This verse beautifully illustrates how God closes certain doors to open others. The prevention from entering Bithynia directly precedes the famous "Macedonian Call" in Acts 16:9, which led them into Europe, fundamentally altering the course of Christian history and expansion.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "the Spirit suffered them not" uses the Greek word eiasen (εἴασεν), which means "to permit" or "to allow." Therefore, the literal meaning is that the Spirit "did not permit" or "did not allow" them to proceed. This is a strong, active prohibition, not a passive lack of opportunity. It emphasizes the Holy Spirit's role as an active guide and director in the apostles' lives and ministry, echoing Jesus' promise of the Spirit guiding His followers into all truth.

Practical Application

For believers today, Acts 16:7 offers profound lessons on seeking and trusting divine guidance. It encourages us to:

  • Seek the Holy Spirit's Leading: Just as Paul sought to discern God's will, we should pray for and be sensitive to the Spirit's direction in our personal lives, careers, and and ministry efforts.
  • Embrace "Closed Doors": Not every door that seems open is God's door. Sometimes, a lack of opportunity, an unexpected obstacle, or an inner conviction is the Spirit's way of redirecting us to a better, divinely appointed path.
  • Trust God's Perfect Plan: Even when God's ways seem counter-intuitive or disrupt our best-laid plans, His ultimate purpose is for our good and the advancement of His kingdom. This verse reminds us that God's wisdom far surpasses our own, leading to far greater impact than we could imagine on our own.
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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

  • Romans 8:9 (5 votes)

    But 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.

  • Philippians 1:19 (5 votes)

    For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer, and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,

  • Acts 8:29 (4 votes)

    Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.

  • Galatians 4:6 (4 votes)

    And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father.

  • 1 Peter 1:1 (4 votes)

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

  • 1 Peter 1:11 (3 votes)

    Searching 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.