Acts 16:8

Acts 16:8

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

a. NLT: So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.

b. NIV: So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

c. YLT: And having passed by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

d. Amplified Bible Classic: So passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas.

e. Worrell Translation: And, passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

f. Wuest Translation: And having skirted Mysia they came down to Troas.

g. Pishitta Eastern Text: And when they had left Mysia, they came to the country of Troas.

1. “And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.”

a. And [Strong: 1161 de deh a primary particle (adversative or continuative); but, and, etc.:--also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English).]

b. they passing by [Strong: 3928 parerchomai par-er'-khom-ahee from 3844 and 2064; to come near or aside, i.e. to approach (arrive), go by (or away), (figuratively) perish or neglect, (causative) avert:--come (forth), go, pass (away, by, over), past, transgress.]

c. Mysia [Strong: 3465 Musia moo-see'-ah of uncertain origin; Mysia, a region of Asia Minor:--Mysia.]

d. came down [Strong: 2597 katabaino kat-ab-ah'-ee-no from 2596 and the base of 939; to descend (literally or figuratively):--come (get, go, step) down, fall (down).]

e. to [Strong: 1519 eis ice a primary preposition; to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases:--(abundant-)ly, against, among, as, at, (back-)ward, before, by, concerning, + continual, + far more exceeding, for (intent, purpose), fore, + forth, in (among, at, unto, -so much that, -to), to the intent that, + of one mind, + never, of, (up-)on, + perish, + set at one again, (so) that, therefore(-unto), throughout, til, to (be, the end, -ward), (here-)until(-to), ...ward, (where-)fore, with. Often used in composition with the same general import, but only with verbs (etc.) expressing motion (literally or figuratively).]

f. Troas [Strong: 5174 Troas tro-as' from Tros (a Trojan); the Troad (or plain of Troy), i.e. Troas, a place in Asia Minor:--Troas.]

1). Saint Paul the Traveller and Roman Citizen, William M. Ramsay, p.195. “The expression marks clearly the distinction between the prohibition to preach in Asia, while they were actually in it, and the prohibition even to set foot in Bithynia. It was necessary for them to cross Asia in order to fulfil the purpose for which they were about to be called.”

2). Acts in Action, Gordon Lindsay: Chapter 16 of Acts is an extraordinary study of the sensitivity of Paul to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It reveals how God uses various means to lead His people into His perfect will. Upon departing from the cities of Galatia, the apostles had a decision to make. Should the party turn east and go to Asia proper? The Spirit spoke (no doubt by prophetic utterance) that they should not go into Asia. Further instruction was not given at the time, but the apostles at least knew their mission lay to the west. After several weeks of hard traveling they came to an area located south of Bithynia. Was Bithynia where God wanted them? Again the Spirit suffered them not to go there, but revealed no more. In their journey westward they finally reached the seaport of Troas. That night God gave Paul a vision, the result of which was to affect the history of the world.

3). The Spirit of God forbid Paul and his company to preach in Asia, then they were led not to go into Bithynia. I believe this was because the great Macedonian call bringing the gospel into Europe was days from occurring. This step by step leading of the Holy Ghost to go into Europe would change the course of Europe and shape Western civilization. It was at Troas where the call to go into Europe would happen.