Paul had a wonderful influence over young men. Timothy, Titus, and Mark bore his impress. When circumcision was insisted upon, as in the previous chapter, no one opposed it more stoutly than Paul; when it conciliated Jewish prejudice, he was quite willing to concede it, since in itself it was a matter of perfect indifference. As the stoning of Stephen was the first step toward winning Paul, so his own stoning at Lystra on the former occasion, as we have noted, probably gave him Timothy.
Our path through life will often be indicated by the fact that the doors which lead off the straight track are barred and bolted, so that we have no option save to go on. Paul was blocked first on the left, that he should not go into the province of Asia; then on the right, that he should not go into Bithynia. Finally he reached Troas, and stood face to face with the ocean that lay between him and Europe.
Here he had a vision which made a deep impression upon him. He saw a man of Macedonia standing in an attitude of entreaty and saying, Come over into Macedonia and help us. Note that word, concluding, Acts 16:10. God often leaves us to infer our course. He does not ignore His own great gift of reason. [source]
Chapter Summary: Acts 16
1Paul and Silas are Joined by Timothy, 7and being called by the Spirit from one country to another, 14convert Lydia, 16and cast out a spirit of divination; 19for which cause they are whipped and imprisoned 25The prison doors are opened 31The jailor is converted, 35and they are delivered
Greek Commentary for Acts 16:8
Passing by Mysia [παρελτοντες την Μυσιαν] Literally, passing alongside or skirting Mysia, neglecting it without preaching there. Strictly they passed through part of it to reach Troas. [source]
To Troas [εις Τροιαδα] This city, named Alexandria Troas after Alexander the Great, was the seaport of Mysia, though a Roman colony and not counted as part of either Asia or Bithynia. New Ilium, on the site of the old Troy, was four miles farther north. It was the place to take ship for Philippi. Twice again Paul will be here (2 Corinthians 2:12; Acts 20:6). [source]
Passing by Mysia [] Not avoiding, since they could not reach Troas without traversing it; but omitting it as a preaching-place. [source]
Came down [] From the highlands to the coast. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 16:8
Acts 4:2Being sore troubled [διαπονουμενοι] Present passive participle of old verb διαπονεω diaponeō (perfective use of δια dia) to be worked up, indignant. In the N.T. only here and Acts 16:8. [source]
2 Corinthians 2:12To Troas [εις την Τρωιαδα] Luke does not mention this stop at Troas on the way from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 20:1.), though he does mention two other visits there (Acts 16:8; Acts 20:6). [source]
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: Μυσία
Sense: a province of Asia Minor on the shore of the Aegean Sea, between Lydia and Popontis; it included the cities of Pergamos, Troas, and Assos.
Greek Commentary for Acts 16:8
Literally, passing alongside or skirting Mysia, neglecting it without preaching there. Strictly they passed through part of it to reach Troas. [source]
This city, named Alexandria Troas after Alexander the Great, was the seaport of Mysia, though a Roman colony and not counted as part of either Asia or Bithynia. New Ilium, on the site of the old Troy, was four miles farther north. It was the place to take ship for Philippi. Twice again Paul will be here (2 Corinthians 2:12; Acts 20:6). [source]
Not avoiding, since they could not reach Troas without traversing it; but omitting it as a preaching-place. [source]
From the highlands to the coast. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for Acts 16:8
Present passive participle of old verb διαπονεω diaponeō (perfective use of δια dia) to be worked up, indignant. In the N.T. only here and Acts 16:8. [source]
Luke does not mention this stop at Troas on the way from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 20:1.), though he does mention two other visits there (Acts 16:8; Acts 20:6). [source]