# Day 332

# Across the Sea to Europe

Acts 16:1–15

Then, Paul and Silas visited the places Paul had been before and strengthened the churches. The believers learned about the decision made in Jerusalem: They didn’t have to keep the Jewish law. In Lystra, Paul met Timothy. This young disciple began to travel with Paul.

They traveled due west through Asia. The Holy Spirit didn’t let Paul speak God’s word there. At the coast of the Aegean Sea, the travelers stopped. This was the city of Troas. Here Paul met Luke, whom he called “the beloved physician.”

That night, Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia. Macedonia was a country across the Aegean Sea. The man begged, “Come help us!” Paul knew what this meant. God wanted him to leave Asia and cross the sea to Europe. There he would preach the good news.

Timothy, Luke, Silas, and Paul set sail. Two days later, they landed in Philippi, the main city in Macedonia. On the Sabbath, they went to the riverside. Speaking to the women who prayed there, they met Lydia. Her business was selling purple cloth. Soon, Lydia and her household were baptized. The apostles stayed in Lydia’s house.

Questions: Why didn’t Paul speak God’s word in Asia? Who was Luke?