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"A door was opened to me by the Lord..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 2:12

GLIMPSES OF MINISTRY SHARED

Paul shared glimpses of his ministry that were not recorded in the book of Acts.

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel,
and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
I had no rest in my spirit, because I did not find Titus my brother;
but taking my leave of them, I departed for Macedonia.”
2 Corinthians 2:12-13

1. An itinerant missionary

a) Paul’s ministry was not a fixed one.

b) A possible construction of his ministry:

i) Ministry in Corinth Acts 18:1-18

ii) Ministry in Ephesus Acts 18:19; 19:1-41

iii) Plans to go to Macedonia shared Acts 20:1

iv) Ministry in Troas Acts 20:6-12

2. Important principles shared

a) A door was opened by the Lord.

b) This was also noted when he wrote to the Colossian Church (Colossians 4:3).

i) Prayer must be offered.

ii) Doors could close (due to persecution).

iii) Doors could also open (opportunities).

c) The focus was never lost.

i) To preach the Gospel of Christ.

ii) To lead people to salvation in the Lord.

iii) To establish a church.

3. Mention of other servants of the Lord

a) Titus was mentioned here.

b) However, he was not mentioned in the Book of Acts.

c) Timothy was also mentioned (2 Corinthians 1:1).

d) Both were called “sons” by Paul.

i) Pastoral Epistles were especially written to them (1 and 2 Timothy; Titus)

ii) They were dearly loved by the apostle Paul; their well-being mattered to him!