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1 Corinthians 16:9
Verse
Context
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Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A great door and effectual is opened - Θυοα γαρ μοι ανεωγε μεγαλη και ενεργης· A great and energetic door is opened to me; that is, God has made a grand opening to me in those parts, which I perceive will require much labor; and besides, I shall have many adversaries to oppose me. So Bp. Pearce understands the words ενεργης, not as signifying effectual, but as implying full of labor. Door often signifies occasion or opportunity; but here, the apostle may allude to the throwing open of the great doors of the Circus Maximus before the chariot races began; and the many adversaries may refer to the numerous competitors in those races. God gave him a grand opportunity to preach the Gospel; but he was not to expect that either Satan or wicked men would leave him unmolested.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
door-- (Co2 2:12). An opening for the extension of the Gospel. Wise men are on the watch for, and avail themselves of, opportunities. So "door of hope," Hos 2:15. "Door of faith," Act 14:27. "An open door," Rev 3:8. "A door of utterance," Col 4:3. "Great," that is, extensive. "Effectual," that is, requiring great labors [ESTIUS]; or opportune for effecting great results [BEZA]. many adversaries--who would block up the way and prevent us from entering the open door. Not here false teachers, but open adversaries: both Jews and heathen. After Paul, by his now long-continued labors at Ephesus, had produced effects which threatened the interests of those whose gains were derived from idolatry, "many adversaries" arose (Act 19:9-23). Where great good is, there evil is sure to start up as its antagonist.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now if Timotheus come,.... The apostle had sent him already, as appears from Co1 4:17 and he was now gone from him; but whether he might not be prevented by unforeseen incidents in his journey, he could not say; and therefore speaks cautiously of his coming; from whence it is evident, that this epistle was not sent by Timothy, as the subscription to it suggests. See that he may be with you without fear; should he come to them, the apostle desires they would take care of him, that he might be safe and secure from enemies of every sort, of which there were many at Corinth; who, as they were of a malignant disposition to him, would use a disciple of his ill: and these were not only, or so much, infidels and profane sinners, but false teachers, and the factions under them, and especially they of the circumcision. For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do; which is a reason why they should be careful of him, that nobody molest him, and put him into fear; since though he was not in so high an office as the apostle, yet he was called to the same work of the ministry, was engaged in the same service of Christ, and was zealous in promoting the same common cause, interest, and kingdom of the Redeemer, and faithfully preached the same Gospel as the apostle did; and therefore would doubtless meet with the same enemies, and be in the same danger.
1 Corinthians 16:9
Paul’s Travel Plans
8But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost,9because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
An Open Door (Part 6)
By Jim Cymbala2.4K20:04Open DoorMAT 7:7MAT 16:191CO 16:92CO 2:12REV 3:7REV 3:16In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of a minister who spent 40 years preaching rules and regulations before truly preaching about Jesus. The speaker emphasizes the importance of recognizing and seizing open doors of opportunity that God presents to us. He mentions the apostle Paul's experience in Ephesus, where a great door for effective work opened for him, despite facing opposition. The speaker encourages the congregation to embrace the open doors God provides and to hold on to their spiritual blessings.
Henrietta Bissell
By Charles Finney0RevivalFaith in MinistryISA 55:11MAT 28:191CO 16:9Charles Finney addresses Henrietta Bissell, sharing the progress of his ministry in England, where he has been met with both enthusiasm and opposition. He recounts the overwhelming response to his preaching, with churches filled to capacity and many conversions taking place. Despite facing criticism and warnings from other ministers, Finney emphasizes the importance of standing firm in truth and the power of God to transform lives. He expresses gratitude for the support he receives and the collaborative spirit among different denominations in the revival efforts. Finney encourages prayer for the ongoing work and the need for faith in God's ability to bring about change.
Opportunity and Opposition
By Isaac Errett0PRO 16:9MAT 6:33ACT 14:271CO 16:92CO 2:12PHP 2:13COL 4:3JAS 4:13REV 3:7Isaac Errett preaches about the great and effectual doors that God opens for preaching the gospel, emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities to share the Word. He highlights the providential openings granted by God for success in spreading the gospel, stressing the need for divine providence and human agency to work together. Errett discusses the significant opposition faced in the form of Roman Catholicism, rationalism, and the secular spirit of the age, which hinders missionary efforts. He calls for a revival of prayer, humility, and devotion to God's will to overcome selfishness and indifference in advancing the kingdom of God.
Zion's Gates and the King's Highway - Part 1
By J.C. Philpot0ISA 62:10MAT 7:13JHN 14:6ACT 14:271CO 16:9EPH 4:11REV 21:2J.C. Philpot preaches about the symbolic representation of the Church of God in its triumphant and militant states as depicted in the visions of John and Isaiah. He delves into the mystical nature of the heavenly city seen by John, contrasting it with the strong city described by Isaiah, symbolizing the Church in its glorious and suffering conditions. Philpot emphasizes the role of ministers as servants, stewards, labourers, and leaders in guiding believers through the gates of regeneration and faith, highlighting the spiritual journey and struggles faced in entering the heavenly city.
God Will Either Open or Close the Door at the Right Time for Overcomers
By Zac Poonen0PSA 84:11PRO 3:5ISA 22:22JON 1:15JON 2:10JHN 10:91CO 16:9REV 3:7Zac Poonen preaches on the significance of being an overcomer, emphasizing that if we are in God's will as overcomers, no door will remain closed to us. God strategically shuts certain doors to prevent us from straying into unprofitable paths, ensuring we walk in His ordained ways. Just like in Jonah's life, God orchestrates the opening and closing of doors to guide us back to His perfect will, even if it means starting afresh. As wholehearted disciples seeking to glorify God, we can trust that God holds the key to every door, opening and closing them at the right time to align us with His divine purpose.
The Missionary Emergency
By A.B. Simpson0Missionary WorkUrgency of EvangelismISA 6:8MAT 9:37MAT 28:19MRK 16:15JHN 4:35ROM 10:141CO 16:9EPH 5:162TI 4:2REV 22:12A.B. Simpson emphasizes the urgency of the missionary call, likening it to life-and-death emergencies that demand immediate action. He highlights the dire spiritual needs of humanity, the vast number of souls yet unreached, and the swift passage of time as reasons for Christians to actively engage in evangelism. Simpson calls for a courageous response to the open doors for spreading the Gospel, urging believers to 'redeem the time' and fulfill their obligation to share Christ with the world. He warns that the opportunity for evangelization may close if not acted upon swiftly, and he encourages steadfastness in the face of opposition. Ultimately, he inspires a sense of responsibility and urgency in the mission of the Church.
Many Adversaries
By J. Stuart Holden0ROM 8:35ROM 8:371CO 16:92CO 12:9EPH 6:10PHP 4:13JAS 1:21PE 5:7J. Stuart Holden emphasizes the challenging yet rewarding nature of Christian witness, highlighting the personal growth that occurs when faith is tested against difficult circumstances. He encourages facing obstacles with the power of Christ, as they are essential for personal development. Holden urges believers to focus on the open door of opportunity rather than being consumed by adversaries, reminding them that Christ undertakes every task with them, making them more than conquerors through His love.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
A great door and effectual is opened - Θυοα γαρ μοι ανεωγε μεγαλη και ενεργης· A great and energetic door is opened to me; that is, God has made a grand opening to me in those parts, which I perceive will require much labor; and besides, I shall have many adversaries to oppose me. So Bp. Pearce understands the words ενεργης, not as signifying effectual, but as implying full of labor. Door often signifies occasion or opportunity; but here, the apostle may allude to the throwing open of the great doors of the Circus Maximus before the chariot races began; and the many adversaries may refer to the numerous competitors in those races. God gave him a grand opportunity to preach the Gospel; but he was not to expect that either Satan or wicked men would leave him unmolested.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
door-- (Co2 2:12). An opening for the extension of the Gospel. Wise men are on the watch for, and avail themselves of, opportunities. So "door of hope," Hos 2:15. "Door of faith," Act 14:27. "An open door," Rev 3:8. "A door of utterance," Col 4:3. "Great," that is, extensive. "Effectual," that is, requiring great labors [ESTIUS]; or opportune for effecting great results [BEZA]. many adversaries--who would block up the way and prevent us from entering the open door. Not here false teachers, but open adversaries: both Jews and heathen. After Paul, by his now long-continued labors at Ephesus, had produced effects which threatened the interests of those whose gains were derived from idolatry, "many adversaries" arose (Act 19:9-23). Where great good is, there evil is sure to start up as its antagonist.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Now if Timotheus come,.... The apostle had sent him already, as appears from Co1 4:17 and he was now gone from him; but whether he might not be prevented by unforeseen incidents in his journey, he could not say; and therefore speaks cautiously of his coming; from whence it is evident, that this epistle was not sent by Timothy, as the subscription to it suggests. See that he may be with you without fear; should he come to them, the apostle desires they would take care of him, that he might be safe and secure from enemies of every sort, of which there were many at Corinth; who, as they were of a malignant disposition to him, would use a disciple of his ill: and these were not only, or so much, infidels and profane sinners, but false teachers, and the factions under them, and especially they of the circumcision. For he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do; which is a reason why they should be careful of him, that nobody molest him, and put him into fear; since though he was not in so high an office as the apostle, yet he was called to the same work of the ministry, was engaged in the same service of Christ, and was zealous in promoting the same common cause, interest, and kingdom of the Redeemer, and faithfully preached the same Gospel as the apostle did; and therefore would doubtless meet with the same enemies, and be in the same danger.