If you were to see an apparition that claimed to be bringing you a message from God, what would you think? Before you answer, remember that Jesus said there would be many “evildoers” who would be able to perform signs and wonders, to lead people away from the truth. (Matthew 7:21-23. 2ndThessalonians 2:9-12.)
Paul and his companions “travelled through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the Word in the province of Asia.” (verse 6.) The Spirit of Jesus kept moving them on, to Troas on the West coast. (verses 7-8.) I’m sure they prayed, “God, why do you want us here?”
When Christians acknowledge God in all their ways, God promises to direct their paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6.) God’s plans and purposes will turn out "good, pleasing and perfect." (Romans 12:1-2. Proverbs 3:5-6.)
“During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’” (verse 9.) This apparition requesting help was an invitation to take the Gospel into Europe for the first time. Jesus had said “Go into ALL the world and preach the good news…” (Mark 16:15.)
This apparition was completely in keeping with what God had already revealed as His plan. So, “After Paul had seen the vision, we got ready at once to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.” (verse 10.)
This was a request to get on with the work that God had clearly told His disciples to do! I’m sure they had been praying about the strange circumstances that had brought them to Troas, and for God to reveal His reason for them being there. This apparition requesting help was in complete agreement with what they already knew about God’s plan.
God wants the Gospel to go out to all nations. (Matthew 28:18-20.)
If the vision had told them to stop preaching that Jesus Christ was the one and only Priest and Saviour for mankind (Acts 4:12. 1stTimothy 3:5-6.); or if the vision had recommended the use of images in the worship of God (Deuteronomy 4:15-16. Isaiah 42:8.); then there would have been NO DOUBT that it was just a bad evil dream. (Deuteronomy 13:1-4. 2ndThessalonians 2:9-12.)
You should not have a problem recognising the difference between truth and error. God has given us His Word, the Holy Bible, as the one true record of His message for mankind. (Acts 17:11. 1stTimothy 3:15-16.) Anything in disagreement with what God has revealed in His Word must be rejected, if you are wanting to live to please God. (Galatians 1:8-9. Matthew 7:24-27.)
The starting point in obeying God is to turn from your sin to His Son, Jesus Christ, for His forgiveness of your sins, and His power to love and obey Him.
Read about the apparition requesting help in Acts 16, verses 6-10.
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