Paradoxes?

NORSK
Even in Acts I run into events that at first glance seem like paradoxes. I have repeatedly concluded that the most visible impact of the Holy Spirit in the early church is that the gospel had to be preached. Being aware of this, it seems a little strange to read:

Paul and his companions traveled throughout the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia. When they came to the border of Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them to.
Acts 16: 6-7  

To preach the Word in Asia cannot possibly have been something that was "completely wrong". As Asia is part of "the world" and with the authority of Jesus' great commission, I would have argued with Paul and his team that it was both logical and in line with our mission to preach there.

I am convinced that the team must have felt confused. Most believers come into periods of "leadership vacuum" - what or how on earth does God want now?

The answer to the Asian team came in the form of a vision. Paul “saw” a Macedonian who asked for help. Then they realized that it was there they should preach the gospel at that very moment of time. Had they allowed themselves to be ruled by the mission, they would have stayed in Asia, but they had now learned an important lesson:

Manna for today:

The Holy Spirit needs to be in control of the mission - not the opposite!