Acts 16 10

Acts 16:10 kjv

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 16:10 nkjv

Now after he had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 16:10 niv

After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 16:10 esv

And when Paul had seen the vision, immediately we sought to go on into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

Acts 16:10 nlt

So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there.

Acts 16 verses

Acts 16 10 Meaning

Acts 16:10 describes the pivotal moment when Paul and his missionary companions, after receiving a divine vision, discern God's specific will for their next geographical move. Following Paul's vision of a Macedonian man pleading for help, the group immediately concludes that the Lord Jesus Christ has called them to bring the good news of salvation to the region of Macedonia, initiating the spread of the Gospel into Europe. The verse emphasizes divine guidance, collective spiritual discernment, and swift obedience in missionary endeavors.

Acts 16 10 Context

Acts 16:10 occurs during Paul's second missionary journey. Previously, the Holy Spirit had restricted Paul and his companions (Silas and Timothy) from preaching in the province of Asia and later forbade them from entering Bithynia (Acts 16:6-7), compelling them towards the west. This divine redirection left them at Troas, a port city, with no clear humanly planned route. In this state of uncertainty and waiting upon God's specific instruction, Paul receives a nocturnal vision, known as the "Macedonian Call." This verse, in particular, marks the "we" sections in Acts, indicating Luke, the author, has joined Paul's company, suggesting an eyewitness account of these events. Historically, this moment signifies the Gospel's entrance into the European continent, a momentous turning point for Christianity, shifting its primary mission field from solely Asia Minor. Culturally, it underscores the sovereign God's active guidance over the spread of His message, a concept distinct from polytheistic or fatalistic beliefs prevalent in the Greco-Roman world.

Acts 16 10 Word analysis

• And when he had seen the vision,
• he: Refers to Paul. His unique prophetic insight often guided critical ministry decisions.
• seen: A divine encounter, not merely a dream, conveying a clear message.
• the vision (ὅραμα - horama): A divinely given supernatural appearance or revelation, emphasizing God's direct intervention in human affairs and His intentional communication for missionary strategy. It provides clear guidance beyond human reason or planning.
• immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia,
• immediately (εὐθέως - eutheōs): Signifies promptness and unquestioning obedience, highlighting a deep conviction in the divine origin of the vision and the urgency of God's call. It demonstrates active faith without delay.
• we: This marks a significant narrative shift, indicating Luke, the author, has joined Paul’s missionary team. It provides an eyewitness perspective and suggests a broadening of the missionary companionship.
• endeavoured (ἐζητήσαμεν - ezētēsamen): Translates as "sought" or "made efforts," not merely decided, but actively pursued. It denotes diligent action, aligning with prompt obedience.
• to go: The physical action of travel is intrinsically linked to the spiritual directive, embodying practical steps of faith.
• into Macedonia: A Roman province in Europe. This marks the historical, geographical, and cultural shift of the gospel from its primarily Asian origins to the European continent, a crucial expansion in Christian history.
• assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.
• assuredly gathering (συμβιβάζοντες - symbibazontes): A profound term implying reasoned conviction. It means "putting together," "inferring," or "concluding with certainty." This isn't blind faith but a spiritual discernment and logical conclusion drawn from the supernatural event combined with previous spiritual leadings. The collective wisdom of the group affirmed the vision's interpretation.
• that the Lord (Κύριος - Kyrios): Referring to Jesus Christ. This underscores the divine authority behind the call and reaffirms Christ's sovereign leadership over His church's mission, distinguishing it from merely human initiative or ambition.
• had called us (προσκέκληται ἡμᾶς - proskeklētai hēmas): "He has summoned us." The perfect tense suggests a completed action with lasting impact. It highlights that the initiative came from God, who actively selects and equips His workers for specific tasks.
• for to preach (εὐαγγελίσασθαι - euangelisasthai): To "announce the good news" or "evangelize." This specifies the core purpose of their calling – proclaiming the Gospel. The message of salvation in Christ remains the central focus of all divine mission.
• the gospel: The "good news" of salvation through Jesus Christ's death, resurrection, and ascension, the foundational message they were compelled to share.
• unto them: Referring to the people of Macedonia. This emphasizes the targeted nature of God's call and the evangelistic imperative towards specific groups of people in specific locations.

Acts 16 10 Bonus section

The "Macedonian Call" has become a powerful metaphor in Christian missions, symbolizing a clear, divine invitation to minister in new or neglected fields. It reminds believers that God actively opens doors and directs His people to where His Gospel is needed. This event demonstrates God's sovereignty, as He orchestrated their path by closing doors elsewhere (Acts 16:6-7) until His specific European intention was revealed. The inclusion of the "we" section here is crucial as it elevates the narrative from a third-person account to a direct eyewitness testimony, giving it immense historical weight and authenticity. The prompt obedience and unified conviction of the missionary group, after shared discernment, stand as an example for collaborative ministry within God's will.

Acts 16 10 Commentary

Acts 16:10 vividly illustrates the synergy of divine initiative and human obedience in missionary enterprise. God, through a supernatural vision to Paul, opened the door for the Gospel to enter Europe, signaling a new and momentous chapter in Christian history. The immediate, collective response of Paul's team, including Luke, shows a deep reliance on the Holy Spirit's guidance, confirming that Christian ministry is not born from human strategy alone, but from discerning and responding to the Lord's specific calling. The term "assuredly gathering" highlights a process of spiritual discernment that combines divine revelation with reasoned interpretation, leading to unshakeable conviction. Their readiness to "immediately endeavour" to fulfill this calling underscores the urgency and importance of gospel proclamation. This verse sets the stage for a paradigm shift in the mission field, demonstrating God's sovereign control over geographical and cultural expansion, always with the ultimate purpose of sharing the life-changing gospel unto new peoples. It's a foundational text for understanding divine guidance and obedience in missions, showing God's active hand in directing His servants to new frontiers.