Evangelism in Bithynia forbidden

“And after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” (1) Bithynia, located on the southern coast of the Black Sea, was a key crossroads in the Roman world. Paul’s plan to move in that direction was logical and practical given its strategic importance. (2) “The Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” (a) Once again, Paul’s plan was halted midway. (b) Here, the term “Spirit of Jesus” is used, which is rare and appears only in this instance in the Acts of the Apostles. Similar phrases include “Spirit of Christ” in Romans 8:9 and “Spirit of Jesus Christ” in Philippians 1:19. (c) The theological significance of these terms is as follows: Jesus is God, and the Holy Spirit proceeds from both the Father and the Son. Jesus is the sovereign Lord guiding Paul’s missionary work. (3) Although the exact method is not recorded, they were once again forbidden by the Holy Spirit to proceed. Interestingly, the evangelization of Bithynia would later be carried out by Peter. In 1 Peter 1:1, it says, “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who reside as strangers, scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, who are chosen.” (4) During the first missionary journey, the work progressed largely according to Paul’s plans. However, during the second missionary journey, a stricter and more specific guidance by the Holy Spirit was evident.

Guidance of the triune God

Let’s learn about the guidance of the triune God through some key scriptures. (1) Acts 16:6 states, “They passed through the Phrygian and Galatian region, after being forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia.” It was the Holy Spirit who prohibited them from preaching the word in Asia. (2) Acts 16:7 says, “and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.” It was the Spirit of Jesus who prevented them from going into Bithynia. (3) Acts 16:10 states, “When he had seen the vision, we immediately sought to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” The group was convinced that it was God leading them. From the three examples above, it is clear that the triune God guided Paul’s evangelism. Let us also pray that we may strongly sense God’s guidance as we spread the gospel.