Devine Scripture

Acts 16:8

What does Acts 16:8 mean?

A plain-English look at Acts 16:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Acts 16:8 means

Passing by Mysia, they come down to Troas, a port on the Aegean. Geographically, they have reached a threshold, unable to proceed north or south as planned. Spiritually, they wait for clearer instruction. Troas, poised between Asia Minor and Europe, becomes the place where human planning yields to divine initiative. The pause is not wasted; it is the quiet before a major turning point in salvation history. In such pauses, God aligns circumstances, teams, and timing. Troas also positions them for maritime travel, anticipating a swift response when direction comes. Sometimes the Lord brings His servants to a shoreline so they can be sent beyond it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And going past Mysia, they came down to Troas.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and having passed by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And when they had passed through Mysia, they went down to Troas.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and having passed by Mysia they descended to Troas.

Context

Verse 8 bridges the repeated restraints of verses 6–7 and the vision in verse 9. Troas serves as the launch point for the crossing to Macedonia. The narrative tension has been building: blocked routes have funneled the missionaries west. Now, with the stage set, God will speak through a vision, and the team will promptly interpret and obey it, as the “we” section begins in verse 10, marking Luke’s personal involvement.

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

v.8This passage

v.9And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a man of Macedonia standing, beseeching him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

Cross references

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

  • Acts 20:5

    But these had gone before, and were waiting for us at Troas.

  • 2 Timothy 4:13

    The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, bring when thou comest, and the books, especially the parchments.

  • Acts 16:11

    Setting sail therefore from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the day following to Neapolis;

  • 2 Corinthians 2:12

    Now when I came to Troas for the gospel of Christ, and when a door was opened unto me in the Lord,

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