Acts 16:4-8 NIV

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:5

And so were the Churches established - The disputations at Antioch, relative to circumcision, had no doubt spread far and wide among other Churches, and unhinged many. The decrees of the apostles came in good time, and prevented farther mischief: the people, saved from uncertainty, became established in the faith; and the Church had a daily accession of converted souls. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:6

Were forbidden of the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia - The Asia mentioned here could not be Asia Minor in general, for Galatia, Phrygia, Pisidia, Lycaonia, and Pamphylia, were provinces of it, and in these the apostles preached; but it was what was called Proconsular Asia, which included only Ionia, Aeolia, and Lydia. The apostles were not suffered to visit these places at this time; but they afterwards went thither, and preached the Gospel with success; for it was in this Proconsular... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:7

After they were come to Mysia - They passed through Phrygia into Mysia, which lay between Bithynia on the north, Phrygia on the east, Aeolia on the south, and the Mediterranean on the west. But the Spirit suffered them not - God saw that that was not the most proper time to preach the word at Bithynia; as he willed them to go immediately to Macedonia, the people there being ripe for the word of life. Instead of το πνευμα , the Spirit merely, το πνευμα Ιησου , the Spirit of Jesus, is... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:8

Came down to Troas - The Troad, or part of Phrygia Minor in which the celebrated city of Troy was formerly situated. This city was first built by Dardanus, who was its king, and from whom it was called Dardania; from Tros, his grandson, it was called Troja, or Troy; and from his son, Ilus, it was called Ilium. It has been long so completely destroyed that no ascertainable vestige of it remains; insomuch that some have even doubted of its existence. Those who contend for the reality of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

Verse 4− 4.They delivered them the decrees to keep. In these words Luke doth signify unto us how desirous Paul was of peace. The best and strongest bond to keep and foster peace among the churches, was to keep that which was set down by the apostles. When Paul taketh great pains about that, he taketh great heed lest through his fault there arise any trouble. And let us remember that that continued but for a time. Because, so soon as he seeth the danger of offense cease, he doth quite unburthen... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:5

Verse 5− 5.The churches were confirmed. By this we gather, that that which Luke setteth down, or rather touched concerning the decrees of the apostles, was, as it were, put in by the way, being not much appertinent unto the matter. − (176) For he commendeth a far other fruit of Paul’s doctrine, when he saith that the churches were confirmed in the faith. Therefore Paul did so order external things, that he was principally careful for the kingdom of God, which consisteth in the doctrine of the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:6

Verse 6− 6.When they had gone throughout. Luke showeth here how diligent and careful Paul and his companions were in the office of teaching; for he saith that they journeyed through divers regions of the Lesser Asia that they might preach the gospel. But he reciteth one thing which is worth remembering, that they were forbidden by the Spirit of God to speak of Christ in some places, which serveth not a little to set forth the apostleship of Paul; as undoubtedly he was not a little encouraged... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The choice of a fit person. The ordination of Timothy to be a minister of God, and St. Paul's fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ ( 1 Timothy 4:14 ; 2 Timothy 1:6 ; 1 Thessalonians 3:2 ), was a great event in the Church's history. The character of her individual bishops and priests has always been a matter of paramount importance, and in nothing do we see the wisdom of the great apostle more conspicuous than in the choice of his fellow-laborers, He who refused Mark, because he was... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Church's duty and reward. I. THE DUTY OF THE CHURCH . 1. To encourage and develop Christian talent. When Paul went to Lystra he found the Church there speaking well of a young disciple, Timotheus. This convert was "well reported of by the brethren" ( Acts 16:2 ), and "him Paul would have to go forth with him" ( Acts 16:3 ). The Church praised him who was praiseworthy; and the minister trusted and encouraged him who was trustworthy, leading him on to higher things,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

Paul's second missionary journey commenced. I. ENLARGED WORK THE FRUIT OF ENLARGED CAPACITY AND EXPERIENCE . 1. In his own spirit—by faithful service and abundant grace received. 2. In his higher standing among his brethren. The sympathy and confidence expressed by the Churches of Antioch and Jerusalem lifted up Paul's spirit to a higher level. 3. In the clearer course opened by the settlement of the controversy as to the position of the Gentile converts. ... read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:7

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:8

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:5

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Acts 16:6

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Acts 16:1-5

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