Paul was hoping to visit Corinth, but for now there were just too many opportunities for the gospel in Ephesus for him to leave there. Let’s look at 1 Corinthians 16:8-9. We read that the door of opportunity was “wide” or “great” ... we might then say that there were many doors open, such was the level of opportunity. And we also read that these open doors were lending themselves toward “effective” work. These were no trifling barely significant opportunities – Paul had obviously discovered in Ephesus avenues of very important ministry.
In Ephesus, Paul was able to speak out boldly in the synagogue for three months (Acts 19:8). Then when stubborn disbelievers forced him out of there, Paul was able to engage in dialogue in a public lecture hall on a daily basis where many heard the good news (19:9). As a result of this movement of God’s Spirit, people even gained healing from touching the handkerchiefs that Paul had used (19:11-12). There was a mass scene of confession and repentance from those who had previously practiced “magic”, now burning the books of their old ‘religious ways’ despite how valuable in monetary terms they were (19:18-19).
There is also one other dynamic mentioned in 1 Corinthians 16:9 is there not! As if this would be thoroughly natural and expected, Paul mentions that, despite open doors, actually probably because of the open doors, there were “many adversaries”. Such “adversaries” could be interpreted as certain people opposing the good efforts of others, as well as any general difficulty that was being encountered through various (challenging) circumstances, bureaucracy, climate conditions, personal health or spiritual well-being. It is usual, and perhaps expected, that when you are seriously attempting to take strides forward for the Kingdom of God you will face opposition at a number of levels.
Because Paul had been outspoken against the false worship of the “goddess Artemis” in Ephesus, and people were being “drawn away” from such a practice, there was a big financial threat to those artisans who had made a lucrative trade out of producing the “silver shrines” used as part of this false worship. So the silversmith Demetrius incited a bit of a riot against Paul and those working with him (19:23-34). There is bound to be a reaction when toes are stepped on, especially when it involves money or power or control.
Some would be aware of the concerted opposition that has been encountered by those seeking gambling reform on behalf of problem gamblers, which has been brought about by those who wish to continue to profit from the most vulnerable in our community. Thus, if we are looking for smooth running whilst being on mission, we are badly mistaken.
Of course following Jesus was never going to be easy – the deeper you go (despite gaining experience and confidence) – it is still likely to get harder. That is why Jesus talked about his disciples taking up their own “cross” in following Jesus. These disciples would later graphically learn what Jesus meant when they saw him dragging the crossbeam of his cross through the city and then being nailed up and crucified at Golgotha. Leon Morris writes, “It is part of the conditions under which we serve God that when we have great opportunities of service there are also great difficulties in our way”.
Yet Paul didn’t allow what could be seen as a negative situation to dent his enthusiasm toward possible open doors. When arrested and questioned on various occasions, Paul would not hold back about his mission to proclaim the name of Jesus. In prison, Paul would share the gospel with his jailers.
Sometimes doors may look closed, or our own fears may fool our eyes into thinking they are closed ... when in actuality they are open. Sometimes it is a little difficult to know either way, but we should always think positively and pray believingly that God is going before us. It was God who was going before Paul and preparing the way, whereby if Paul knocked the door would be opened. This is somewhat mysterious how all this goes down, but I’m sure we each have experienced an answer to prayer or a thorough surprise that could not have happened if we only thought within human confines.
It is also possible for us to close doors ourselves (through inaction) that would have otherwise been open (either naturally or through God’s provision). This would happen as we procrastinate too long, or we let fear get in the way of our faith – and thus the moment of opportunity passes. In the Gospel of Matthew, when Jesus walks on the water, Jesus gives Peter the opportunity to also walk on the water (which would be a remarkable chance to do as Jesus did). Peter started out okay, but when he became affected by the strength of the wind, he began to sink (14:22-33).
Doors would close also as we let ourselves get distracted by less important and more comfortable activities. How often we in the church can prefer little in-house talk-fests ahead of actually getting involved in hands-on mission. Sometimes we think that arguments or conflict within church groups is oh so terrible, but isn’t this often tolerated and even extended, so that we can, seemingly with justification, just stay within our comfort zones. And people way too often give priority to how their own needs can be met in preference to how they can make their particular contribution to the broader community. What a tragedy that doors of ministry close while such inward thinking persists!
So then, how do we locate, knock on, and walk through open doors?
1. Kindness
· Offering friendship to neighbours & being available to help
· Being able to convey why we have hope and peace
· Thanking people
· Inviting & welcoming & hospitality
2. Interests/Hobbies
· Joining with or starting local interest groups e.g. craft, writing, gardening, cooking, conservation, photography, women’s issues, men’s shed
3. Service/Involvement
· Helping local community initiatives through voluntary support
· Listening to local voices – reading local papers
4. Causes/Advocacy
· Getting involved with community causes & supporting those under pressure
5. Direct Approach
· Prayer-walking; letter-boxing; door-knocking
· Organising events and social activities e.g. Good Friday walk, Alpha or Lifekeys courses
Working through all this will require at least three things:
(A) Faith that God is active and opening doors ahead of us
(B) Prayer that God will guide us to those open doors
(C) Creative and imaginative thinking in seeking to enter those open doors.
Thank you for this piece. It is an openers for believers who have been groping, as if they are in the dark, for the opened door by the Lord. May God richly bless you. Pastor Benson Amukpo.
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