Acts 16:7
What does Acts 16:7 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:7 means
Near Mysia, they attempt to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus does not allow them. Luke uses a striking title—“the Spirit of Jesus”—reminding us that the risen Christ actively directs His church by the Spirit. The team is not stubborn; they try, discern, and yield. God’s “no” is part of His “yes” elsewhere. Though the text does not explain how the Spirit restrained them, the emphasis lies on submission to Christ’s lordship in mission. Paul’s strategy bows to Jesus’ sovereignty. Their patience will soon be answered with unmistakable direction, underscoring that guidance often unfolds through successive steps, including blocked paths that keep servants available for the right door.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;
KJV
King James Version · 1611After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and when they were come over against Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And having come to Mysia, they made an attempt to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not let them;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862having gone toward Mysia, they were trying to go on toward Bithynia, and the Spirit did not suffer them,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when they were come into Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia: and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890having come down to Mysia, they attempted to go to Bithynia, and the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them;
Context
This verse continues the sequence begun in verse 6 of Spirit-led restraint. Having been checked from Asia and Bithynia, the travelers must seek another route. Verse 8 will bring them to Troas, a harbor city, setting up the night vision in verse 9. By highlighting repeated “no’s,” Luke prepares readers to recognize the weight of the forthcoming “come over and help us” as God’s decisive call to a new field: Macedonia.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Peter 1:11
searching what time or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did point unto, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that should follow them.
- Acts 8:29
And the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot.
- Philippians 1:19
For I know that this shall turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ,
- Romans 8:9
But ye are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you. But if any man hath not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.
- 1 Peter 1:1
Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the elect who are sojourners of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,
- Galatians 4:6
And because ye are sons, God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, Abba, Father.
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