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. iv. 14), who had now joined him, either by pre-arrangement, or by a providential meeting, or perhaps in consequence of his feeble state of health[965]. They were not long in coming to a conclusion. The vision could have but one meaning. The Lord was assuredly calling them to carry the glad tidings of salvation to the European shores (Acts xvi. 10). Without further delay, therefore, they sought means for crossing over, and having found a vessel on the point of sailing for Europe they embarked and proceeded on their voyage. CHAPTER II. _PAUL AND SILAS AT PHILIPPI._ A.D. 52. THE wind blew fair, when the Apostle and his companions left Troas, and running before it in a straight course they reached, probably the same night[966], the island of Samothrace, and there came to anchor[967]. The next day, passing under the lee of the island of Thasos, they reached the Macedonian harbour of Neapolis, and thence passed inland a distance of about 10 miles to Philippi[968], the first[969] city which the traveller would reach in this part of Macedonia, and a Roman military colony[970] (Acts xvi. 12).