They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the Good News to them. Acts 16:6-10

‘Having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit,’ indicates the Holy Spirit’s inward authority upon their hearts– the Spirit of Jesus. The time for the Word of God to go into Asia through Paul and Silas had not come and similarly so for the region Northwest of Asia Minor of Bithynia. Mysia is a part of Asia Minor also.

So they have a strong impression from the Holy Spirit not to go into these towns but to go to Troas. It is in Troas that Paul has a vision of a man asking them to come to Macedonia, an estimated 109 walking hours away (but they sailed and walked). As our Lord leads them, they go to Philippi Macedonia.

Philippi is the first place Luke is hinted at in attendance with Paul and Silas (Col. 4:14, 2 Tim. 4:11, 2 Cor. 8:18). A humble modesty runs through our New Testament witness with regard to the Apostles as we piece together each life in reference to places. Disciples love one another, consider each other dear friends, and encourage one another in preaching, teaching, and prayer.