iii. 1) they received with eagerness and deep fervour, and many, both

Jews and Gentiles, men and women, freemen and slaves[956] (Gal. iii. 27, 28), professed themselves believers, and the churches of Galatia were added to those of Cilicia, Lycaonia and Phrygia.

Considering the circumstances under which this visit was made, it is not probable that it was very protracted, but at first the Apostles were somewhat uncertain in what direction to turn, for new fields of labour opened to them on different sides. At one time they thought of proceeding in a south-westerly direction to the populous cities of proconsular Asia[957], but received a Divine intimation that this was not to be the scene of their labours (Acts xvi. 6). They then turned towards Mysia[958], and were essaying to proceed into Bithynia[959], when a monition from the Divine Spirit, the Spirit of the glorified Redeemer[960], caused them to abandon this route also. Passing, therefore, by the district of Mysia without pausing to evangelise it[961], they proceeded in a north-westerly direction towards the shores of the Ægean, and arrived at Alexandria Troas[962] (Acts xvi. 8).

There they stayed for the night, and now, after the Apostle Paul had doubtless been pondering deeply over the nature of the supernatural intimations which had been leading him[963], the mystery was solved. During the night there appeared to him in vision[964], a man from the opposite shores of Macedonia, beseeching him and saying, _Come over and help us_ (Acts xvi. 9). The morning dawned, and the purport of the heavenly vision was discussed by the Apostle with his companions Silas and Timothy, and a new colleague, Luke _the beloved physician_ (Col.