MPV Commentary
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Acts 16
Read the modernized Jamieson-Fausset-Brown commentary, aligned with each Bible book and chapter, in clear, updated English.
Currently viewing commentary for Acts 16
They Break New Ground in Phrygia and Galatia--Their Course
The apostles traveled westward through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, moving in a northwesterly direction. It was during this time that churches were established in Galatia (Gal 1:2; 1Co 16:1), founded by Paul himself as recorded in his Epistle to the Galatians (especially Gal 4:19). These churches already existed when Paul began his third missionary journey, as mentioned in Acts 18:23. Despite their significance, the details of these proceedings are not provided here.
The reasons for this omission are unclear. Some have suggested that the historian had not yet joined the apostolic party (Alford), or that he was eager to bring the apostle to Europe (Olshausen). Others propose that the main focus of the church's development lay between Jerusalem and Rome, making Paul's labors in Phrygia and Galatia less relevant (Baumgarten).
The apostles were forbidden by the Holy Spirit from continuing in this direction. This directive likely came through a prophet, as indicated elsewhere in Scripture.