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Bulletin articles
Wide Open
The apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthians with the news that he intended to visit them. However, his visit would be delayed because he was pursuing opportunities in Ephesus. He said: “I shall come to you after I go through Macedonia . . . and perhaps I shall stay with you, or even spend the winter . . . if the Lord permits. But I shall remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries” (1 Corinthians 16:5-9).
Notice, especially, that Paul perceived great prospects in Ephesus. He could see a tremendous potential for “effective service.” Did he mean that everyone in that city was eagerly receiving the gospel message? Was everyone anxious to hear the truths that Paul was preaching? Could it be that the whole city might be converted to Christ?
The answers to these questions – NO! In fact, during this visit to Ephesus a riot broke out in opposition to what Paul was preaching. Demetrius, a silversmith who made shrines to the idol goddess Diana, led a great uprising. “The whole city was filled with confusion,” and some of the disciples were taken captive. Paul’s own personal safety was at risk (Acts 19:23ff).
When Paul wrote about that “wide door for effective service,” he also knew that “there are many adversaries.” He was not blind to the dangers that surrounded him, but he was still excited about the good that could be accomplished.
The lesson for us is this: the reality of opposition does not diminish the potential for good and effective work. There never has been, and never will be, a time when God’s truth and His people are unopposed. Even in adversity we need to be looking for “open doors” for proclaiming the Word. Don’t wait for the perfect situation. Don’t hesitate because of “adversaries.” There is much to do and doors of opportunity are ‘wide open’ for the gospel. Think!
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