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, (7) After they were come to Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not. (8) And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas. (9) And 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. (10) And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (11) Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis; (12) And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. (13) And on the sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was wont to be made; and we sat down, and spake unto the women which resorted thither.
I do entreat the Reader to remark what is here said of the Holy Ghost. What can be an higher proof of His Almighty Ministry in the Church? He forbids to preach in one place. He sends to another. Can anything more strongly define distinguishing grace? So the Prophet speaks, in the name of the Lord, I caused it (said the Lord), to rain upon one city, and caused it not to rain upon another city, Amos 4:7. And I entreat the Reader to observe with me, that when the persons of his people are concerned, then it is no longer the place which is objected to. This Bithynia, when the Lord's people are there, the Lord will send to. Hence Peter, directed so to do by the Holy Ghost, sends his Epistle to Bithynia. See 1 Peter 1:1, See Jeremiah 3:14.