Acts 16:1-11 DIVINE GUIDANCE When the time seemed right for the apostles to leave Antioch to further and carry on the work to which they had been called, they didn't make a hasty decision. After "some days" Paul was quite convinced of the direction the Holy Spirit was guiding them to even though there were no definite stated words from God. This guidance was based on the original guidance given by the Lord when He ascended. "Go... make disciples... baptize them... teach them." Visiting the Lord's people and strengthening them is an important part of the work of the Lord. The Holy Spirit who directs us into the work, also directs us in the work. We are not at liberty to do the work of God in our own way or in a way that just appeals to us. We are the Lord's servants.
The contention that led to two senior missionaries going separate ways, did not hinder the guidance nor the work of the Holy Spirit. When Paul and Silas left Antioch, they were "recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God." There was confidence on the part of those in Antioch in those men and their ability to do what the Spirit was leading them to. Not everything in the service of God is easily understood - especially the difficulties. But those things that at the moment appear to be obstacles, may actually be ways God is guiding us to fulfill His divine intention.
Paul and Silas were guided to stop at each place where the Gospel was preached before, and they were now able to confirm the saints by giving them the truth and the counsel of God. The foundation work of the "apostle and prophet" was being guided by the Spirit, and He was building "living stones" into the church on the right foundation. One of those who had been saved by God's grace when the Gospel was first preached at Derbe and Lystra was Timothy. He was only young when reached by the Gospel at the time Paul and Barnabas were there, but two godly women in his family, Lois and Eunice certainly influenced his spiritual growth and interest in the things of God. His Greek father was probably not a believer and according to Jewish law, there was no reason for Timothy to be circumcised. The reputation of this young man was such that believers in more than one assembly recognized his interest in the things of God. Often the attitude and actions of older Christians have a positive effect on those younger believers in the decision-making time of their lives. Because of the reputation already formed about Timothy among those who lived there, Paul had enough confidence in him to ask him to go with him and Silas in their travels and work. There is something very valuable when an older man and a younger one can bond together and serve the Lord. The wisdom and experience of the older along with the strength and zeal of the younger is a wonderful combination. Even the fact of Timothy submitting to circumcision when it was unnecessary, speaks to the kind of attitude and effective young servant of the Lord has. Perhaps Paul's reason for doing this was for Timothy's future usefulness among Jewish believers.
Updating the various assemblies on the decrees made by the elders in Jerusalem was an important matter. Law keeping, nor anything else should be added to faith as a condition for a Gentile or Jew to be saved. Fornication was prevalent among the Gentiles then as it is today, and it is not acceptable in any way for a child of God to be involved in any form of this sin. Even common sense tells us it is foolish to eat blood or animal flesh that hasn't been bled because of the danger of decay and disease, let along the fact that "the life of the flesh is in the blood." God guides us in every aspect of life in ways we may not fully understand at first. He may make His reasons known later, but even if He doesn't, we need to trust Him and His word.
Now there were three men going together to the work in the Galatian assemblies and those in Phyrgia. There is a principle of safety in numbers when guided by the Holy Spirit and also a sense of accountability to those with whom we labor. Timothy would have learned by observation and experience how to discern the leading of the Holy Spirit. The negative side was the Spirit forbade them from going to north or east on one occasion. On another occasion the Spirit used a form of appeal to keep them moving westward toward Troas, so on that occasion He "suffered them not" to go into Bithynia. Timothy would learn from observing the Spirit guiding Paul that there are times when we are to comfort God's people. Other times we are to communicate divine truth to the saints in an assembly until the subject is well-learned. On occasion we will also have to lay a charge on the people of God to make sure they teach what is right.
In the process of being guided by God it may be some circumstances direct us to a certain place. Or it may be that some physical ailment or event of nature opens or closes doors for us. By the guidance of God these men were able to open further the work in the area they were in while at the same time were being moved in the direction God wanted. When we are in fellowship with the Lord these things can be discerned. Bithynia and Mysia were not the destination God had in mind for this time. We often look at the many places where the Gospel has not been preached and would like to reach out to those people. But with a recognition of our limitations and our awareness of the Sovereign God knowing every heart, we must commit ourselves to the path before us and the tasks to which we have been called. Not every time God gives guidance is the same as the last time. When "a man" appeared in a vision, whether it was Luke or someone unknown in the vision, Paul knew this was the guidance of God. "Assuredly gathering" the mind of the Lord seems to have been the coming together of circumstances right at Troas. Up until they had reached Troy there had been a degree of uncertainty. This was replaced by positive assurance. Paul was the Lord's man at the right place, at the right time, willing to do the right thing with the right men to help him. Luke joined the team at Troy. There had been a kind of indirect nudging by the Spirit from one place to another until they reached Troas. Now there was no question. Europe, Macedonia in particular was the open door, God had opened in front of them.
As we move from day to day following the leading and guiding of God, we can expect to be pushed one way or another without a lot of drama or assurance to give us confidence in our actions. God intends us to trust Him and His guidance in the small things as well as the big things. When a major event opens before us, we are prepared for it by being faithful to the Lord in the more obscure events of life in which we live most of the time. The person God guides, has the kind of attitude which makes it possible for the Spirit of God to guide him. If we are loyal to the Lord and faithful in responding to present guidance, we can expect Him to continue to guide us in the work we do for Him in the future. By watching for His leading we won't fail under times of disappointment and difficulty. It may be that God will allow us to look back sometime and see the blessings we have received and the dangers we have avoided by following Him "step by step." We don't need supernatural signs. We just need genuine faith in the Lord.