1 Corinthians Chapter 16, Verse 9
From BibleWiki
9: θυρα γαρ μοι ανεωγεν μεγαλη και ενεργης και αντικειμενοι πολλοι
9: For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there
are many adversaries.
9: For a great door and evident is opened unto me: and many
adversaries.
For a great door. There is abundant opportunity for usefulness. The word door is used evidently to denote an occasion or an opportunity for doing anything. It is the means by which we have entrance or access; and hence denotes facility in doing anything when there is no obstruction. See Acts 14:27 2Cor 2:12 Col 4:3.
And effectual. That is, effective, or adapted to success; presenting opportunity for great effects. There is abundant opportunity to preach the gospel; there is attention to what is spoken, and great interest in it; there is great encouragement to labour. It is possible that this was one of the reasons why Paul had changed his mind about passing through Corinth on his way to Macedonia. It would require time to visit Corinth, as he would wish to remain there; and an unexpected opportunity having arisen for doing good, he judged it best to remain at Ephesus as long as practicable, and then to go at once to Macedonia.
And there are many adversaries. Many opposers; many who resist the gospel. These were doubtless in part Jews who excited opposition to him, and in part the friends of Demetrius. See Acts Chapter 19. That Paul had great success in Ephesus, and that his labours were attended with a great revival of religion there, is manifest from that chapter.
