John Calvin 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)

When they had gone throughout. Luke shows here how diligent and careful Paul and his companions were in the office of teaching, for he says that they journeyed through various regions of Asia Minor so that they might preach the gospel.

But he recounts one thing that is worth remembering: they were forbidden by the Spirit of God to speak of Christ in some places. This serves significantly to highlight the apostleship of Paul, as he was undoubtedly greatly encouraged to proceed when he knew that the Spirit of God was his guide on his way and the governor of his actions.

And wherever they went, they prepared themselves to teach, doing so according to their calling and according to the commandment of God. For they were sent to preach and publish the gospel to the Gentiles without exception. However, the Lord revealed His counsel in governing the course of their journey, which was previously unknown, even in an instant.

Nevertheless, the question is: If Paul taught nowhere except where he was led by the Spirit, what certainty can the ministers of the Church have today concerning their calling, who are not certified by any oracles about when they must speak or remain silent? I answer that since Paul’s province and charge were so wide, he needed the unique direction of the Spirit.

He was not made the apostle of one particular place or of a few cities, but he had received the commandment to preach the gospel throughout Asia and Europe, which was like sailing on a vast sea. Therefore, there is no reason for us to wonder that in that confusing vastness God beckoned to him, as if by reaching out His hand, to show how far He wanted him to go, or where.

But here arises another, harder question: why did the Lord forbid Paul to speak in Asia and not allow him to come into Bithynia? For, if the answer is made that these Gentiles were unworthy of the doctrine of salvation, we may in turn ask why Macedonia was more worthy.

Those who desire to be overly wise assign the causes of this difference to human beings, saying that the Lord grants His gospel to every person as He sees them inclined toward the obedience of faith. But He Himself says far otherwise: namely, that He appeared plainly to those who did not seek Him, and that He spoke to those who did not ask of Him.

For from where does the readiness to be taught and a mind to obey come, but from His Spirit? Therefore, it is certain that some are not preferred over others by their own merit, since all people are naturally alike: backward and resistant to faith.

Therefore, there is nothing better than to leave to God the sovereign power to grant or withhold His grace from whomever He wills. And surely, as His eternal election is free, so His calling is also free, which flows from it, and is not grounded in human beings, since He is not indebted to anyone.

Therefore, let us know that the gospel springs and issues forth to us from the sole fountain of mere grace. And yet God does not lack a just reason why He offers His gospel to some and passes over others. But I say that this reason lies hidden in His secret counsel.

Meanwhile, let the faithful know that they were called freely when others were set aside, so that they do not take to themselves what is due to the mercy of God alone. And concerning the rest, whom God rejects for no manifest cause, let them learn to wonder at the profound depth of His judgment, which they may not search out.

Here the word “Asia” is taken to mean that part which is properly so called. When Luke says that Paul and his companions attempted to go into Bithynia, they were forbidden by oracles. Such direct guidance was given only when need required, as the Lord is accustomed to be present with His people in sorrowful and uncertain matters.