8th Jun 26 | 14:45
Daily Study
Listening to the Holy Spirit
Acts 16 - Series 02/Episode 01 - Sat, 06th June 2026 - Listening to the Holy Spirit - Acts 16:06-10 - THE MACEDONIAN CALL - Romans 08:14
Acts 16:6 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.
There were people from Phrygia who had received the Lord into their hearts and were baptised at the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, / Acts 2:41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.
Here is the travel map of the second missionary journey.
https://www.conformingtojesus.com/images/webpages/apostle_paul_second_missionary_journey_map1.jpg
The primary objective of the second missionary journey was to fulfil the assignment of delivering the verdict of the Jerusalem Council to the churches. Acts 15:22-23 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas who was also named Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren. (23) They wrote this letter by them: The apostles, the elders, and the brethren, To the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings. Silas and Paul were eager to complete this assignment for the Gentile churches.
The other objective was to strengthen the churches that were planted during the first missionary journey by Paul and Barnabas. Acts 15:36 Then after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us now go back and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they are doing." Both the objectives overlapped, and it was a blessed time for Paul and the team to meet with the churches in Derbe, Lystra, Iconium and Antioch Pisidia.
After completing the two objectives with which they set out on the second missionary journey, they were prepared to enter new territories to share the Gospel and bring people to faith in Jesus. Romans 15:20-21 And so I have made it my aim to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man's foundation, (21) but as it is written: "TO WHOM HE WAS NOT ANNOUNCED, THEY SHALL SEE; AND THOSE WHO HAVE NOT HEARD SHALL UNDERSTAND."
This is what Paul declared before King Agrippa. Acts 26:19-20 "Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, (20) but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance.
They passed through the region of Phrygia and Galatia. At the start of the third missionary journey, Paul visited this region again to strengthen the disciples. Acts 18:23 After he had spent some time there, he departed and went over the region of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.
As we look at the map, we realise that they were on the edge of entering the region of Asia, but they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. The blessed lesson for us to learn is to discern and be led by the Spirit of God at all times. Romans 8:14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.
Peter was led by the Spirit of God. Acts 10:19-20 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Behold, three men are seeking you. (20) Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them."
The church in Antioch was led by the Spirit of God. Acts 13:2-4 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." (3) Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. (4) So, being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. We must make this our life experience of being led by the Holy Spirit.
Why did the Holy Spirit forbid the apostles from preaching the word in Asia? It was definitely not because the Lord did not want the Gospel to reach Asia. The Lord desires all men to be saved. Paul was a witness for the Gospel to all peoples. I Timothy 2:3-7 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, (4) who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (5) For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, (6) who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time, (7) for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle-I am speaking the truth in Christ and not lying-a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
It was a matter of God's time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has put eternity in their hearts, except that no one can find out the work that God does from beginning to end.
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