Believers are bound to face persecution and trials of life, but with the Holy Spirit, we have a survival strategy. The holy spirit plays a role in Decision making in every matter that matters in the life of a Believer.
This was not emotional impulse or human planning; it was spirit-directed separation. This was the period the church was facing persecution, but in the midst of their circumstances the Holy Spirit had something to say to them.
We also may have what God is saying to us when we are going through one manner of persecution or the other. It is left for us to be attentive spiritually so we can discern what The holy spirit is trying to tell us.
The holy spirit still speaks today. He guides, He warns, He redirects, and He separates. When He speaks, obedience saves years of regret, wasted effort, and unnecessary pain.