Where did Paul initially intend to go after leaving Derbe and Lystra?
After leaving Derbe and Lystra, Paul initially intended to travel back through northern Turkey and the region around the Black Sea. He specifically intended to go into Bithynia, along the Black Sea, and then probably back to Antioch in Syria, but the Holy Spirit did not permit that route.
Les explains that Paul had been ministering in western Turkey, then Asia Minor, and had gone up to Choas from the area of Derbe and Lystra. His intention was to go back to northern Turkey through the area around the Black Sea and then to Asia. After they came to Mysia, they intended to go into Bithynia, which lies along the Black Sea, and then probably back to Antioch in Syria. The Holy Spirit, however, permitted them not, and passing by Mysia they came down to Choas, where Paul expected to meet Titus. There a night vision appeared to Paul, with a man of Macedonia beseeching him, Come over into Macedonia, and help us.