Devine Scripture

Acts 16:6

What does Acts 16:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:6 means

Paul and his companions traverse Phrygia and Galatia, but the Holy Spirit forbids them from speaking the word in Asia. This is not a denial of Asia’s need, but a temporary “not now.” God’s guidance includes closed doors as well as open ones. The team’s plans are good, yet the Spirit steers them elsewhere for a season. Luke wants us to see mission as responsive to God, not driven by mere human strategy. The same Spirit who empowered proclamation also determines its placement. Their restraint is obedience; their trust, worship. In time, Asia will be reached, but for now the Lord is silently arranging a path westward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And after they had gone through the land of Phrygia and Galatia, the Holy Spirit did not let them take the word into Asia;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having gone through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when they had passed through Phrygia and the country of Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

And having passed through Phrygia and the Galatian country, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,

Context

After the churches are strengthened, verse 6 introduces divine redirection. The mention of Asia (a Roman province) signals significant opportunity deferred. The pattern will continue in verse 7 with another restraint, heightening the sense that God is guiding every step. By verse 8, they reach Troas, a coastal staging point. This context frames the Macedonian vision in verses 9–10 as the climactic positive guidance after several negatives, ensuring readers appreciate the providential turn to Europe.

v.5So the churches were strengthened in the faith, and increased in number daily.

v.6This passage

v.7and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:1

    Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I gave order to the churches of Galatia, so also do ye.

  • Acts 10:19

    And while Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee.

  • 2 Timothy 4:10

    for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:8

    For we would not have you ignorant, brethren, concerning our affliction which befell us in Asia, that we were weighed down exceedingly, beyond our power, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

  • Acts 19:10

    And this continued for the space of two years; so that all they that dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord, both Jews and Greeks.

  • Acts 20:28

    Take heed unto yourselves, and to all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit hath made you bishops, to feed the church of the Lord which he purchased with his own blood.

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