Now when they had gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. After they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them. So passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. And a vision appeared to Paul in the night. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.
(Acts 16:6-10 NKJV) Phrygia was just north of Antioch of Pisidia (Asia Minor - now Turkey). Galatia was just northeast of there. Bithynia was north-northwest and Mysia was north west (all in Asia Minor). Troas was a coastal city in the most northwestern part of Asia Minor. Apparently, the Holy Spirit directed the steps and travels of Paul and Silas to a new frontier - Macedonia. Macedonia was larger in that time than it is today. The area comprised most of what we call today Greece, Northern Greece. Perhaps the churches that were already established in the Asia Minor region were able to complete the mission efforts in that region. Others needed to hear the gospel. 2 Corinthians 4:3 says "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:" Romans 10:17 says "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." We are commissioned to take the gospel to the ends of the earth (See Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15- end of the chapter; Luke 24:47). In fact, the end of the world, as we know it, is connected to the gospel being preached in all nations. Matthew 24:14 says "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." The world that awaits us is a restoration of God's creation. No Satan, sin, sorrow, suffering, or death. (see Revelation 21:1-7). The Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, has made salvation available!!! Preach the gospel saints! Preach the gospel. Eternity depends on it!
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March 2020
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