Introduction

The second missionary journey began. Paul met Timothy in Lystra and had him circumcised. With the addition of Timothy, Paul’s missionary team grew to three members. At this point, Luke is preparing to depict the rapid expansion of Christianity in the Gentile world. (1) Paul is about to visit three important provinces within the Roman Empire: Macedonia, Achaia, and Asia. (a) Asia Province is located to the east of the Aegean Sea, with Ephesus as its capital. (b) Macedonia Province is located to the north of the Aegean Sea, with Thessalonica as its capital. (c) Achaia Province is located to the west of the Aegean Sea, with Corinth as its capital. (2) All of these cities were characterized by Hellenistic civilization. (3) Acts 16:11–19:20 covers Paul’s life work. His second and third missionary journeys together span approximately five years.

Evangelism in Asia forbidden (v 6)

“They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” (1) Up until this point, the team had been visiting churches they already knew, focusing on discipleship. However, from here, they began to evangelize in places they were visiting for the first time. They began their mission in the region of Asia Minor (modern-day western Turkey). (2) “After being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” Their initial intent likely was to head toward Ephesus, the capital of the province of Asia. This would have been a logical decision, as Asia refers to the western part of Asia Minor. However, their move westward was blocked by the Holy Spirit. Luke does not specify how the Holy Spirit intervened or communicated this prohibition. (3) The team was forced to change their original plan. The existence of a need and actually acting upon it is a different matter. In this case, it wasn’t yet time for them to evangelize in Asia. Interestingly, Paul’s mission in Ephesus would take place about two years later, as recorded in Acts 18:19: “They came to Ephesus, and he left them there. Now he himself entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.” This shows that the timing for the mission in Asia had to align with God’s plan. (4) “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region.” This likely refers to the Phrygian region within the province of Galatia. The team adjusted their course, moving north and east along the southern coast of the Black Sea, intending to head to Bithynia. As we will explore in detail next time, effective evangelism requires a delicate balance between meticulous human planning and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Those who are serving with all their heart following the Holy Spirit’s guidance will bear much fruit.