Where to Do Ministry - Acts 16

⁶ Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. ⁷ When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to. ⁸ So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Do any of us believe that Paul was outside of the will of God at this time on this missionary journey?  No.  But there he sits in a town not knowing which way to go until he has this vision.  A lot of us would have been offering advice to Paul saying he should be seeking the will of God.  Yet, he was so close to the Spirit of God that he was being led daily.  Just because God is pausing a ministry so it’ll be in His timing doesn’t mean it isn’t in the will of God or being led by the Spirit of God.

This is Paul wanting to go somewhere but the Spirit not allowing it, then calling him to where he should go.  We often have a call but don’t start because we aren’t sure what to do, Paul just went and let God steer him to where he should be going.  He was called to go so he went.  Then he got direction on where to go.  

This is the exact opposite from Jonah.  Jonah didn’t want to go but knew exactly where he was to go.  Paul knows he is to go but isn’t sure where to go.  It’s almost like he is willing to go preach the gospel wherever people will listen to him.  Where, wasn’t really a concern. 

Does the gospel get preached in Asia?  Yes, just not at this time.  God has a direction that He wants Paul to go in at that time.  They have been kept from entering Asia (south) and kept from entering Bithynia (north), they came from the east, so they pretty much have to go west.  Just to confirm it, God gives Paul a vision in a dream.  God’s plan was for the Romans to hear the gospel and Paul needed to go towards Roman colonies which are in Europe.  God is sending His message to Europe.

Just out of curiosity, I wonder how it was that the Spirit of Jesus kept them from entering that city.  Did He appear to them?  Did He block them?  Did He put armed men in their way?  Was it just a bunch of continuous circumstances that kept them out?  Seems like that is what usually happens to me.  No great signs, but just continuous road blocks.  Sometimes I find myself wondering these things, but obviously we aren’t to know since it isn’t written.

Jesus said to Go and Make Disciples.  Paul is going and making disciples.  Details like where aren't important.  He allows God to steer in in real-time.  He doesn't have to know everything before he does anything.  We should follow Paul's leadership here and just Go when we are called to a ministry.