MPV Commentary

to preach the word in Asia—referring to the western coast of the continent, specifically the Roman province of Asia.

After they arrived in Mysia, where they were forbidden to labor (Ac 16:8).

They attempted to go into Bithynia but the Spirit forbade them. This was likely because Europe was ripe for their missionary efforts and other instruments would be used to establish the Gospel in eastern Asia Minor, particularly through the apostle Peter (1Pe 1:1). By the end of the first century, as testified by Pliny the governor, Bithynia was filled with Christians. This is the first time the Holy Spirit is mentioned as determining their course, indicating a new epoch in their apostolic labors.

They came down to Troas, a city on the northeast coast of the Aegean Sea and the western boundary of Asia Minor.

A vision appeared to Paul one night while he was awake. A man from Macedonia stood before him, praying, "Come over into Macedonia and help us." This vision likely prepared Paul for the divine will that would soon be revealed to him. The Macedonian's plea was not a conscious desire for the Gospel but a deep need for it and an unconscious readiness to receive it.

After seeing the vision, they immediately tried to go into Macedonia. Here, Luke modestly introduces himself as part of the missionary party. Whether Paul's health issues played a role in this arrangement is unclear, but it's certain that he would have been honored to care for Luke's life.

Loosing from Troas, they sailed with a straight course to Samothracia, an island on the Thracian coast north of Troas. The strong wind must have come from the south or southeast to bring them there so quickly, as the current runs in the opposite direction. They spent five days traveling what they now did in two (Ac 20:6). The next day, they arrived at Neapolis on the Macedonian coast, about sixty-five miles from Samothracia and ten miles from Philippi.

Philippi was a colony with all the privileges of Roman citizenship, exempting its citizens from scourging and arrest. This fact is mentioned in this history because of the subsequent references to Roman privileges and duties in the chapter.