Paul Is Guided By The Spirit to Europe And Arrives in Philippi (16:6-12).
‘And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia, and when they were come over against Mysia, they made an attempt to go into Bithynia; and the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not, and passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.'
As they passed through ‘the region of Phrygia and Galatia', presumably confirming churches he had previously visited, his intention of going to the province of Asia (and to Ephesus) was somehow hindered. It may have been as a result of prophecy, or because something got in the way. Then he decided to aim for Bithynia, and again he was prevented. Thus he moved on and came to Troas (an Aegean port a few miles from the site of ancient Troy), not sure what to do next.
‘The Spirit of Jesus.' This phrase is only used here. It emphasises that Jesus has something especially in mind for Paul's party in the fulfilment of His commission (Acts 1:8), something new and beyond the ordinary. Jesus was now in special and personal control of this party. Note the close linking of Jesus with the Holy Spirit. It is interesting to note that we have in the same context ‘forbidden of the Holy Spirit', ‘the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not', and ‘God had called us to preach the gospel to them.' Three seen as acting as One. And all are united in ensuring that Paul now go to Europe.
‘The region of Phrygia and Galatia'. The two names are adjectival forms limiting ‘region', only the first carrying the article. This probably therefore means ‘Galatian Phrygia' in contrast to wider Phrygia, or ‘the Phrygian-Galatic region' within the province of Galatia. It is doubtful whether it refers to the ethnic kingdom of Galatia. ‘Mysia' was in north-west Asia Minor, and further north moving north-eastward around the Black Sea were the Black Sea ports of Bithynia. Paul was seeking to move northwards using the Roman roads. He was, however, somehow prevented and arrived in the Aegean port of Troas.