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"A great and effective door has opened to me..."

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:9

MINISTERING FOR THE LORD

Paul was very committed to the preaching of the Gospel. His part was to bear witness of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord’s part must also be understood and appreciated.

“But I will tarry in Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great and effective door has opened to me,
and there are many adversaries.”
1 Corinthians 16:8-9

1. Ephesus

a) Ephesus was a major Roman colony.

b) In Asia Minor it was the most important city of the region.

c) It was a strategic commercial hub.

d) It enjoyed a great harbour.

2. Ministry in Ephesus

a) Paul ministered there in his third missionary journey (Acts 19).

b) Ministry in a major city was most challenging.

c) It would involve much time and effort.

d) Thus, Paul planned to stay there (“Until Pentecost”).

3. View of Ministry

a) Door of opportunity

i) It is the Lord Himself who opens doors (Revelation 3:7-8).

ii) When the Lord opens the door, no one can shut it.

iii) Paul was conscious that the door had been opened to him (by the Lord).

iv) He could not force open any door in his own strength.

b) Two features of the ministry in Ephesus were highlighted:

i) It was likened to an “open door”.

ii) The ministry there beckoned an energetic and active approach.

(The word “effective” carried this connotation.)

4. Many adversaries

a) In Ephesus was the temple of Diana.

b) The silversmiths who made and sold idols of Diana saw a great loss of their trade.

c) They opposed Paul’s ministry violently.

d) There were many adversaries indeed (Acts 19:21-40).