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 16:10KJV
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Acts 16:10 (KJV)

What does Acts 16:10 mean?

Acts 16:10 describes how, after Paul saw a vision, he and his companions immediately made plans to travel to Macedonia, convinced that God was calling them to share the good news there. The group understood this vision as clear guidance from the Lord to preach the gospel to the people in Macedonia.

This verse takes place during Paul's missionary journeys. Paul, along with his companions (including the writer, Luke), had been traveling through Asia Minor, seeking direction on where to go next. After Paul received a vision of a man from Macedonia asking for help, the group quickly concluded that this was God's way of directing them to a new region. This moment marks a turning point, as it leads to the spread of the Christian message into Europe.

The Greek behind Acts 16:10

  • The word for "vision" is ὅραμα (horama), which refers to a supernatural sight or revelation. This emphasizes that Paul's guidance was not just a personal idea but a clear, divinely given direction.
  • The phrase "assuredly gathering" comes from συμβιβάζω (sumbibazō), which means to bring together or conclude. Here, it shows the group carefully pieced together the meaning of the vision and agreed on its significance.
  • The verb "called" is καλέω (kaleō), meaning to summon or invite. This highlights that the group saw their mission as a direct invitation from the Lord, not just a personal decision.

Why Acts 16:10 matters

  • Acts 16:10 clarifies that Paul and his companions did not act on impulse, but thoughtfully responded to what they believed was God's clear guidance.
  • The verse marks a key moment when the Christian message first moves into Europe, showing how the early church was led step by step.
  • The use of "we" in this verse signals that Luke, the author, joined the group at this point, giving a firsthand account of the events.

Where else these words appear

“gathering” Greek G4822 · used in 6 verses

  • Acts 9:22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.
  • 1 Corinthians 2:16 For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.
  • Colossians 2:2 That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ;

“vision” Greek G3705 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 17:9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, Tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man be risen again from the dead.
  • Acts 9:12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.
  • Acts 11:5 I was in the city of Joppa praying: and in a trance I saw a vision, A certain vessel descend, as it had been a great sheet, let down from heaven by four corners; and it came even to me:

“Macedonia” Greek G3109 · used in 22 verses

  • Acts 16:9 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.
  • Romans 15:26 For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen. The second epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi, a city of Macedonia, by Titus and Lucas.

“called” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.