A Great Door and Effectual Opened 1 Corinthians 16:9

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth, “I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost”, and in chapter sixteen and verse nine of First Corinthians, Paul tells the church members, “a great door and effectual is opened unto me”, where we read:

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

The verse begins, “For a great door and effectual is opened unto me...” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “a great door” or “a large and abundant entrance, way or passage” “and effectual” which means “and active, operative and powerful” “is opened” or “unimpeded and unstopped” “unto me” which refers to “toward or for Paul”. Paul told about an “abundant and clear opportunity” that was given unto him.

The verse goes on to say, “... and there are many adversaries.” Paul continued with the words, “and there are many” or “a great number of” “adversaries” which refers to “those who were set over against, opposite, adverse and withstanding Paul”. Although Paul had an “great and effectual open door” unto him, there were still those who “opposed” his efforts in the gospel of Jesus Christ.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see the contrast between the “great and open opportunities” for Paul and the “opposition” he faced in light of them. The gospel of Jesus Christ is not spread to others without cost. In fact, many times “opposition” or “persecution” comes, and those who are committed to sharing the “good news” of Jesus Christ face “adversaries”. Let us be mindful that many “doors and effectual” are “opened” to those who spread the “gospel”, and let us pray for them they face those great “adversaries” as well.

Next time Paul tells the church members what to do, “if Timothy comes”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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