New International VersionWhen they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
New Living TranslationThen coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there.
English Standard VersionAnd when they had come up to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Berean Standard BibleAnd when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.
Berean Literal Bibleand having come down to Mysia, they were attempting to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
King James BibleAfter they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
New King James VersionAfter they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.
New American Standard Bibleand after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them;
NASB 1995and after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
NASB 1977and when they had come to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
Legacy Standard Bibleand after they came to Mysia, they were trying to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
Amplified Bibleand after they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
Christian Standard BibleWhen they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen they came to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
American Standard Versionand when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;
Contemporary English VersionAfter they arrived in Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not let them.
English Revised Versionand when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThey went to the province of Mysia and tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus wouldn't allow this.
Good News TranslationWhen they reached the border of Mysia, they tried to go into the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
International Standard VersionThey went as far as Mysia and tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them,
NET BibleWhen they came to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to do this,
New Heart English BibleWhen they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Webster's Bible TranslationAfter they had come to Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Weymouth New TestamentWhen they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd when they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit would not permit them.
World English BibleWhen they had come opposite Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit didn’t allow them. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhaving gone toward Mysia, they were trying to go on toward Bithynia, and the Spirit did not permit them,
Berean Literal Bibleand having come down to Mysia, they were attempting to go into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them.
Young's Literal Translation having gone toward Mysia, they were trying to go on toward Bithynia, and the Spirit did not suffer them,
Smith's Literal TranslationHaving come to Mysia, they tried to go to Bithynia: and the Spirit suffered them not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to go into Bythynia, and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.
Catholic Public Domain VersionBut when they had arrived in Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them.
New American BibleWhen they came to Mysia, they tried to go on into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them,
New Revised Standard VersionWhen they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when they came to the country of Mys’ia, they wanted to go from thence to Bi-thyn’i-a: but the spirit of Jesus permitted them not.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishWhen they came to the region Musia, they desired to go from there to Bithunia and The Spirit of Yeshua did not permit them. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand had come to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit did not permit them.
Godbey New TestamentAnd having come opposite Mysia, they were endeavoring to go on into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
Haweis New Testamentcoming as far as Mysia, they made an effort to go unto Bythinia: but the Spirit permitted them not.
Mace New Testamentbeing therefore arrived in Mysia, they essayed to go into Bithynia, but the spirit of Jesus would not allow it: so they pass'd by Mysia,
Weymouth New TestamentWhen they reached the frontier of Mysia, they were about to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit this.
Worrell New Testamentand, having come over against Mysia, they were trying to go on into Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not permit them;
Worsley New Testamentbut the Spirit suffered them not.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Paul's Vision of the Macedonian6After the Holy Spirit had prevented them from speaking the word in the province of Asia, they traveled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. 7Andwhen they cameto the border ofMysia,they triedto enterBithynia,buttheSpiritof Jesuswould not permitthem.8So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.…
Cross References Galatians 4:6And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying out, “Abba, Father!”
Romans 8:14For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.
John 16:13However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come.
1 Corinthians 2:12We have not received the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us.
Romans 8:9You, however, are controlled not by the flesh, but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:17Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
John 14:17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you do know Him, for He abides with you and will be in you.
John 14:26But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you.
John 15:26When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me.
1 John 4:6We are from God. Whoever knows God listens to us; whoever is not from God does not listen to us. That is how we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.
Isaiah 30:21And whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear this command behind you: “This is the way. Walk in it.”
Ezekiel 36:27And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes and to carefully observe My ordinances.
Isaiah 63:10-11But they rebelled and grieved His Holy Spirit. So He turned and became their enemy, and He Himself fought against them. / Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them,
Nehemiah 9:20You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
Psalm 143:10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
Treasury of Scripture After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. Bithynia. 1 Peter 1:1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, Jump to Previous AllowAssayedAttemptAttemptedBithyniaBithyn'iaBorderEnterEssayedFrontierJesusMysiaMy'siaOppositePermitReachedSpiritSufferSufferedTriedTryingJump to Next AllowAssayedAttemptAttemptedBithyniaBithyn'iaBorderEnterEssayedFrontierJesusMysiaMy'siaOppositePermitReachedSpiritSufferSufferedTriedTryingActs 16 1.Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy,7.and being called by the Spirit from one country to another,14.convert Lydia,16.and cast out a spirit of divination;19.for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned.25.The prison doors are opened.31.The jailor is converted,35.and they are delivered.And when they came to the border of MysiaMysia was a region in the northwest part of Asia Minor, present-day Turkey. It was known for its strategic location, serving as a crossroads for various ancient trade routes. The mention of Mysia indicates the missionary journey's progression as Paul and his companions traveled through Asia Minor. This journey reflects the early church's expansion efforts and the spread of the Gospel beyond Jewish territories. they tried to enter Bithynia
Bithynia was a Roman province located to the northeast of Mysia, along the Black Sea coast. It was a significant area with a mix of Greek and Roman cultural influences. The attempt to enter Bithynia shows the apostles' desire to preach the Gospel in new regions, fulfilling the Great Commission to spread the message to all nations. However, their plans were subject to divine guidance, illustrating the importance of seeking God's will in ministry efforts. but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them
The "Spirit of Jesus" refers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine guidance and authority of Christ in directing the apostles' mission. This phrase highlights the personal and active role of the Holy Spirit in the early church, guiding believers in their decisions and actions. The Spirit's intervention here suggests that God had a specific plan and timing for the spread of the Gospel, which sometimes meant closing certain doors. This aligns with other scriptural instances where God's guidance redirects His servants, such as inProverbs 16:9, which states, "In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps." Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulA key apostle in the early church, known for his missionary journeys and spreading the Gospel to the Gentiles. 2. SilasA leader in the early church and companion of Paul on his second missionary journey. 3. MysiaA region in northwest Asia Minor, which Paul and his companions passed through during their journey. 4. BithyniaA province in Asia Minor that Paul and his companions intended to enter but were prevented by the Spirit. 5. Spirit of JesusRefers to the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the divine guidance and intervention in the apostles' mission. Teaching Points Divine GuidanceRecognize the importance of seeking and being open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. Just as Paul and his companions were directed by the Spirit, we too should be attentive to God's leading. Obedience to the SpiritEmphasize the necessity of obedience when the Holy Spirit directs us, even when it means changing our plans or direction. Trust that God's plans are higher and better than our own. Discernment in Decision-MakingEncourage believers to cultivate discernment through prayer and scripture study, enabling them to recognize the Spirit's guidance in their decisions. Flexibility in MinistryHighlight the need for flexibility and adaptability in ministry and life, understanding that God may redirect our paths for His purposes. Trust in God's SovereigntyReinforce the belief in God's sovereignty and His ability to guide us according to His will, even when we do not understand the reasons behind His directions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Acts 16:7?
2.How does Acts 16:7 demonstrate the Holy Spirit's guidance in decision-making?
3.Why was the Spirit of Jesus preventing Paul from entering Bithynia significant?
4.What can we learn about discerning God's will from Acts 16:7?
5.How does Acts 16:7 connect with Proverbs 3:5-6 on trusting God's direction?
6.In what ways can we apply Acts 16:7 to our daily spiritual walk?
7.Why did the Spirit of Jesus prevent Paul from entering Bithynia in Acts 16:7?
8.How does Acts 16:7 illustrate divine guidance in missionary work?
9.What theological implications arise from the Spirit's intervention in Acts 16:7?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Acts 16?
11.Is God guiding me to take a specific action?
12.What does the Bible say about baptism and communion?
13.Does the reference to Satan in 1 Thessalonians 2:18 conflict with scientific or rational explanations for obstacles in travel?
14.What does it mean to hear God's voice?What Does Acts 16:7 Mean And when they came to the border of Mysia• Paul, Silas, and Timothy had just been “kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia” (Acts 16:6). Their arrival at Mysia’s edge shows a team that moves forward until God makes the next step clear. • Scripture paints God as ordering His people’s steps: “A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps” (Proverbs 16:9). This moment illustrates that truth in real time. • Rather than interpreting closed doors as failure, the missionaries treat them as guidance.Psalm 37:23 reminds us, “The steps of a man are established by the LORD.” Obedient servants stay in motion, trusting God to steer.
they tried to enter Bithynia• The desire was good—take the gospel north into Bithynia. Paul’s pattern was always to preach where Christ was not yet known (Romans 15:20), so their intention fit his calling. • Passion alone, however, never overrides divine direction. “The love of Christ compels us” (2 Corinthians 5:14), yet that compulsion must remain under the Spirit’s leading. • We learn an important balance: – God honors holy ambition (1 Corinthians 9:16), – but He reserves the right to re-route His workers for His larger purposes.
but the Spirit of Jesus would not permit them• The phrase underscores Jesus’ active, living leadership over His church. After His ascension He directs through His Spirit (John 16:13). The same Lord who once said, “Follow Me,” now guides invisibly yet unmistakably. • Other missionary moments echo this supernatural stop-sign: the Spirit told Philip, “Go near and join this chariot” (Acts 8:29) and later directed Peter about Cornelius (Acts 10:19). • Practical takeaways: – Closed doors are divine communication, not divine rejection. – Timing matters; the gospel would reach Bithynia later through other servants (1 Peter 1:1). – Submission to the Spirit safeguards fruitfulness. TrustingProverbs 3:5-6, the team lets the Lord “make straight” their path into Macedonia instead (Acts 16:9-10).
summaryActs 16:7 narrates more than travel logistics; it models responsive discipleship. Arriving at Mysia’s border, the team advances with eagerness, yet submits when the Spirit of Jesus blocks their plan to enter Bithynia. God’s servants move, attempt, listen, and adjust, confident that every denied route is part of His perfect, sovereign guidance toward people ready to hear the gospel. (7) They assayed to go into Bithynia.--The verse describes very vividly the uncertainty produced day by day by this conflict between human plans and divine direction. Bithynia, lying to the north, had, like Pontus, a considerable Jewish population scattered along its shores, and they were inclined to take that as their next field of labour. They were led on, however, as before, westward and not northward. There is no record of any considerable halt in this stage of their journey, and they probably found few favourable openings in a district which, for great part of the way, presented only unimportant villages. The use of the archaic form "assayed" for "essayed," or "attempted," calls for a word of notice. (Comp. Acts 9:26.) The Spirit suffered them not.--The better MSS. and versions give the reading, "the Spirit of Jesus," which is of some dogmatic importance, as confirming the doctrine that the Spirit stands in the same relation to the Son as to the Father, and may therefore be spoken of either as the Spirit of God, or of Christ (Romans 8:9), or of Jesus. Verse 7.- And when for after, A.V. and T.R.; come over against ( κατὰ) for come to, A.V.; and the Spirit of Jesus for but the Spirit, A.V. and T.R. But the phrase, "the Spirit of Jesus," occurs nowhere in the New Testament, and is on that account very improbable here, though there is considerable manuscript authority for it. It is accepted by Meyer and Alford and Wordsworth, following Griesbach, Lachmann, Tischendorf, etc.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.when they cameἐλθόντες(elthontes)Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 2064:To come, go.to the border ofκατὰ(kata)Preposition
Strong's 2596:A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).Mysia,Μυσίαν(Mysian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3465:Mysia, a region of Asia Minor.they triedἐπείραζον(epeirazon)Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 3985:To try, tempt, test. From peira; to test, i.e. Endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline.to enterπορευθῆναι(poreuthēnai)Verb - Aorist Infinitive Passive
Strong's 4198:To travel, journey, go, die.Bithynia,Βιθυνίαν(Bithynian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 978:Bithynia, a region of Asia.[but]καὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.SpiritΠνεῦμα(Pneuma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.of JesusἸησοῦ(Iēsou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2424:Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.would not permitεἴασεν(eiasen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1439:To allow, permit, let alone, leave. Of uncertain affinity; to let be, i.e. Permit or leave alone.them.αὐτοὺς(autous)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural
Strong's 846:He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.
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NT Apostles: Acts 16:7 When they had come opposite Mysia they (Acts of the Apostles Ac) |
