What does Acts 16:8 mean?

Paul and Silas have traveled through the province of Galatia in central modern-day Asia Minor. Their primary purpose was to let the Gentiles know they did not have to follow Mosaic law to be saved (Acts 16:4–5). They also met Timothy, a young Jewish man who had been faithfully trained in Judaism and Christianity (2 Timothy 1:5). Paul sees in Timothy a future church leader, so he circumcises the young man and brings him along (Acts 16:1–3).

The next logical step is to spread Jesus' offer of salvation in Asia, the large province on the western third of the peninsula. The province includes the seven churches mentioned in Revelation 2—3 as well as Colossae and Troas. The Holy Spirit redirects the trio, however, so they choose to go north, to the province of Bithynia along the southern coast of the Black Sea. Again, they are told no (Acts 16:6–7). Their only options are to backtrack to Galatia or to skirt between the two provinces to the Asian territory of Mysia, to the port town of Troas.

From Troas, they can go anywhere in the Roman Empire. God sends Paul a vision of a man inviting them to take the short trip across the Aegean Sea to Macedonia. They do so and bring the gospel to Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens, and Corinth (Acts 16:9—18:17).