King James Version

What Does Acts 16:10 Mean?

Acts 16:10 in the King James Version says “And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had... — study this verse from Acts chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

Acts 16:10 · KJV


Context

8

And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.

9

And a vision appeared to Paul in the night; There stood a man of Macedonia, and prayed him, saying, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.

10

And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavoured to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them.

11

Therefore loosing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis;

12

And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days. the chief: or, the first


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And after he had seen the vision (ὡς τὸ ὅραμα εἶδεν)—The 'man of Macedonia' vision (v. 9) redirected Paul's entire missionary strategy, bringing the gospel to Europe. God sovereignly guides mission through both closed doors (vv. 6-7, the Spirit forbidding Asia) and open visions. Immediately we endeavoured (εὐθέως ἐζητήσαμεν) shows prompt obedience—no hesitation, debate, or delay when divine direction becomes clear.

The shift to 'we' marks Luke's personal involvement in Paul's mission—this is eyewitness testimony. The phrase assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us (συμβιβάζοντες ὅτι προσκέκληται ἡμᾶς ὁ θεός) means 'concluding' or 'inferring with certainty.' They interpreted circumstances through Scripture and prayer, discerning God's call. Note the inclusive us—God's call extends to the team, not just the individual. To preach the gospel unto them defines mission's purpose: evangelistic proclamation, not mere cultural exchange or humanitarian aid.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This vision circa AD 50 redirected Christianity westward into Europe, specifically Macedonia (modern Greece). Philippi, a Roman colony, became the first European church. This seemingly small decision—responding to a nighttime vision—altered history's trajectory, bringing the gospel to the continent that would later send missionaries worldwide.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you discern God's guidance through circumstances, especially when doors close unexpectedly?
  2. What would immediate obedience to God's clear calling look like in your life right now?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 19 words
ὡς1 of 19

after

G5613

which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)

δὲ2 of 19

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τὸ3 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὅραμα4 of 19

the vision

G3705

something gazed at, i.e., a spectacle (especially supernatural)

εἶδεν5 of 19

he had seen

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

εὐθέως6 of 19

immediately

G2112

directly, i.e., at once or soon

ἐζητήσαμεν7 of 19

we endeavoured

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

ἐξελθεῖν8 of 19

to go

G1831

to issue (literally or figuratively)

εἰς9 of 19

into

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὴν10 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Μακεδονίαν11 of 19

Macedonia

G3109

macedonia, a region of greece

συμβιβάζοντες12 of 19

assuredly gathering

G4822

causative (by reduplication) of the base of g0939); to drive together, i.e., unite (in association or affection), (mentally) to infer, show, teach

ὅτι13 of 19

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

προσκέκληται14 of 19

had called

G4341

to call toward oneself, i.e., summon, invite

ἡμᾶς15 of 19

us

G2248

us

16 of 19
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Κύριος17 of 19

the Lord

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

εὐαγγελίσασθαι18 of 19

for to preach the gospel

G2097

to announce good news ("evangelize") especially the gospel

αὐτούς19 of 19

unto them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Acts. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Acts 16:10 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Acts 16:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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