This week's text from Acts actually begins in the middle of a travelogue text that appears to be having difficulty getting started.

Indecision and doubt are characteristics that rarely come to mind when discussing the apostle Paul. But here he is searching for a new direction in his mission, and for the moment, at least, is going nowhere. Paul's first inclination had been to turn toward Asia, to spread the gospel to a region yet wholly untouched by the gospel. But 16:6 declares that his first road was firmly "forbidden" by the Holy Spirit.

At Mysia the road eastward (this time toward Bithynia) is once again blocked by "the Spirit of Jesus" (v.7). Paul and his traveling companions then turn westward, journeying to Troas, which lay about 10 miles south of the larger, more famous city of Troy…