Albert Barnes Commentary Acts 16:6

"And they went through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been forbidden of the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia;" — Acts 16:6 (ASV)

Throughout Phrygia. This was the largest province of Asia Minor. It had Bithynia north, Pisidia and Lycia south, Galatia and Cappadocia east, and Lydia and Mysia west.

And the region of Galatia. This province was directly east of Phrygia. The region was formerly conquered by the Gauls. They settled in it and called it, after their own name, Galatia. The Gauls invaded the country at different times, and no less than three tribes or bodies of Gauls had possession of it. Many Jews were also settled there. It was for this reason that so many parties could be formed there, and that so much controversy would arise between the Jewish and Gentile converts. See the Epistle to the Galatians.

And were forbidden. Probably by a direct revelation. The reason for this was, doubtless, that it was the intention of God to extend the gospel farther into the regions of Greece than would have been done if they had remained in Asia Minor. This prohibition was the means of the first introduction of the gospel into Europe.

In Asia. (See Barnes on Acts 2:9).

This was doubtless the region of proconsular Asia. This region was also called Ionia. Ephesus was the capital of this region; and here also were situated the cities of Smyrna, Thyatira, Philadelphia, etc., within which the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 1-3 were established.

Cicero speaks of proconsular Asia as containing the provinces of Phrygia, Mysia, Caria, and Lydia. In all this region the gospel was afterwards preached with great success. But now a more important and wider field was opened before Paul and Barnabas in the extensive country of Macedonia.

Note: The term "Ghost" is used for "Spirit." Concerning the Spirit "in Asia," see Revelation 1:4, 11.