“Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the
region of Galatia, and were forbidden of the
Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,” (Ac 16:6
AV)
With a passage like this, there is the temptation to read too much or
too little into the facts that are in evidence.
To do so would misapply the practical wisdom found in this verse. There
are things we do know. For example, we
know to be forbidden to go into Asia, there must have at least been the
opportunity to do so. We might be able
to surmise there was a desire, or at the very least, and assumption of a plan
to do so. We also know this area of Asia
was eventually evangelized, for it is the area of the seven churches of
Revelation. We also know the LORD opened
other opportunities which resulted in the gospel going into western
Europe. What we do not know is the
circumstances for which they were denied an opportunity. There is much surmising on this point. However, none can be proven beyond reasonable
doubt. In the obscurity we actually see
some wisdom.
First, simply because it may seem to be an opportunity and even an
ethical obligation does not mean the Spirit is leading to pursue it. For example, we may have been invited to a wedding,
but it would be counter productive to stand up in the middle of the ceremony
and preach the gospel just because no one would physically stop us. Spiritual preparation or groundwork was
another possibility posited by a commentator.
In other words, there was ground work to be laid in softening the area
to the gospel so that when the Spirit did open the door, they would be
receptive. This brings to mind
cold-calling. Or, as we have tagged it, door-to-door. There is liberty given. But one must be in tune with the Spirit to
know exactly how far to take a conversation. Not all opportunities that seem to be opportunities
are so because we the LORD is in it.
Even if the door is wide open does not mean we should go through it. The timing may be off. It might be someone else’s door to go
through. Or, those on the other side are
not ready for our company.
The
other temptation is to see the principle above as a reason to cower from our
responsibility. There were times when a door
of opportunity came with inherent hindrances in place. Paul asked for prayer from the Church at Corinth
for his situation at Ephesus. “For a
great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.”
(1Co 16:9 AV) If the truth be told, we are probably forcing open some doors
that God does not want opened, or failing to go through other doors which He
has opened. The wisdom here is it listen
to, and follow, the Holy Spirit. Would
it be that we all were bold were we need to be bold. If there is a common fault here is the lack
of boldness and not the superfluity of it.
Let us seek the wisdom and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to be an obvious
and effective voice for the spreading of the good new of salvation in Christ.
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