Acts 16:⁶ They went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia. ⁷ When they had come opposite Mysia, they attempted to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them; ⁸ so, passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. ⁹ During the night Paul had a vision: there stood a man of Macedonia pleading with him and saying, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” ¹⁰ When he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, being convinced that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. 

We are told earlier in the book of Acts that Paul (the apostle) was traveling with Silas (the prophet). This kind of pairing between apostles and prophets happens several times in the New Testament, particularly in the letters of Paul. The word “apostle” literally means “sent one” in Greek. In a Christian context it refers to one sent to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. A “prophet” is one who functions as a channel of communication between God and people.

In our passage for today we’re told that the Holy Spirit (and then the Spirit of Jesus) would not allow Paul and his team to enter Asia, but instead directed them to Macedonia. It’s likely the Spirit made this known via the prophet Silas. Apostles have a heart to mobilize the work of the gospel and inspire others to join the work, but it’s the prophet through whom God directs where and to whom.

Lord mobilize the apostles and the prophets for the sake of your church. Amen.