Acts 16:9

Vision. Gr. horama, “that which is seen,” hence, “a vision.” Horama is used 11 times by Luke in Acts, and elsewhere only once (Matt. 17:9). For “visions” see on Acts 2:17. Compare Paul’s earlier vision recorded in ch. 22:17-21.

Macedonia. Originally a country north of classical Greece. It rose quickly to power under Philip (359-336 B.C.) and Alexander the Great (336-323 B.C.). In 142 B.C., however, it became a Roman province and preserved that status through Paul’s day (see Vol. V, pp. 23-28). Many of its flourishing towns held large Jewish communities, which would provide excellent bases for Christian evangelism. Some have wondered how Paul knew that the man whom he saw in the vision was a Macedonian. One answer appears in the man’s own words — he associates himself with Macedonia. Another reply is that Luke has not necessarily given a complete report of the vision, but has only recorded its chief features, omitting details that merely support the outline he has recorded.

Prayed. Gr. parakaled, literally, “to call to one’s side,” hence, “to summon,” “to address,” “to entreat.” The word gives a sense of urgency to the man’s appeal. See on Matt. 5:4.

Come over. Gr. diabaind, literally, “to pass through,” or “to cross over.”

Help. Gr. boetheo, “to run to the cry [of those in danger],” hence, “to succor,” “to help.”

Us. The man speaks for all his fellow countrymen in Macedonia. From a more modern viewpoint the appeal may be given an even wider interpretation by realizing that the man stands in Europe, and is calling Paul to enter that great continent with the gospel message. This is one of the crucial moments in history. Much of Europe’s future depends on Paul’s response to the appeal. Europe can well be thankful that the courageous apostle did not hesitate to answer the call that now came to him. Hitherto, he had been prevented from fulfilling his great desire to evangelize in Asia and Bithynia (see on vs. 6, 7); but now a whole continent beckons him, and he cannot fail to have seen the reason that lay behind the divine prohibitions he had so faithfully obeyed.

The Macedonian call, the cry of those who know no Christ, has impelled uncounted thousands to leave their homes and take the gospel to strange lands, where they have worked under discomfort, loneliness, sickness, and the shadow of death. Such self-sacrificing service has brought strength to the church. When it closes its ears to Macedonian calls, spiritual weakness creeps in. The call may be unexpressed by those in need, for they may be unaware of their spiritual destitution. But their need makes a strong appeal to the Christian, and he will hasten, like Paul, to the rescue of those who do not realize they are lost.