Acts 16:8-12 - Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia

16:8-10

Troas was the main Asian port for boats headed for Macedonia. Previously the Holy Spirit had guided Paul by stopping him from going in various directions. Paul now receives a vision giving him positive direction. The vision is of a man of Macedonia begging Paul and his companions to come over and help them. Paul concluded that it was God calling them to Macedonia, the two negative directions would help them reach this conclusion. So they set off for Macedonia. I read a book once (on covenantal apologetics) which was a very good book, yet said that God never uses visions or dreams to direct people now. This is nonsense. Now it is wrong to be expecting visions at every turn. The basis for our direction in life should be consistent study and meditation on the word of God, but there may be times when God sends a vision, a dream or an angel to give specific guidance. The Bible contains many such instances, and gives no indication that God has given up on the practice.

16:10 says “we”, and this is the first of the “we” passages. This is taken to indicate that Luke had now joined the party and so was a direct witness of some of the events he recounts. He would also be able to get information on earlier events.

16:11,12

Samothrace was the port of the inland city of Philippi. Hence their travelling there from the port. Philippi was an important city, and they stayed there for several days.