Acts 16:9
What does Acts 16:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Acts 16:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Acts 16:9 means
Paul receives a night vision: a Macedonian man pleading, “Come over into Macedonia, and help us.” The cry for help frames the gospel as God’s saving aid to a needy world. Visions are not everyday occurrences in Acts, but God at times confirms direction unmistakably. This appeal moves the mission into Europe, a monumental step in God’s plan to spread the name of Jesus. The identity of the man is not the point; the call is. Paul will soon discern that this is the Lord’s summons. The vision dignifies evangelism as rescue—answering spiritual need with the good news of Christ’s lordship and salvation.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Paul had a vision in the night; a man of Macedonia came, requesting him, and saying, Come over into Macedonia and give us help.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And a vision through the night appeared to Paul--a certain man of Macedonia was standing, calling upon him, and saying, `Having passed through to Macedonia, help us;' --
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And a vision was shewed to Paul in the night, which was a man of Macedonia standing and beseeching him and saying: Pass over into Macedonia and help us.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: There was a certain Macedonian man, standing and beseeching him, and saying, Pass over into Macedonia and help us.
Context
After closed doors, verse 9 provides a clear, positive directive. The setting in Troas (verse 8) makes immediate crossing feasible. The plea for help not only directs geography but defines purpose: preaching the gospel. Verse 10 follows with the team’s swift agreement and action, the narrative shifting to “we,” indicating Luke’s presence. This frames the journey that will bring them to Philippi, where Lydia and then the jailer will be converted.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Corinthians 12:1
I must needs glory, though it is not expedient; but I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
- Acts 22:17
And it came to pass, that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I prayed in the temple, I fell into a trance,
- 2 Corinthians 12:7
And by reason of the exceeding greatness of the revelations, that I should not be exalted overmuch, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, that I should not be exalted overmuch.
- Acts 20:3
And when he had spent three months there, and a plot was laid against him by the Jews as he was about to set sail for Syria, he determined to return through Macedonia.
- 2 Corinthians 7:5
For even when we were come into Macedonia our flesh had no relief, butwe wereafflicted on every side; without were fightings, within were fears.
- Acts 18:5
But when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was constrained by the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
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