An Open Door and Many Adversaries

Paul, the ever resilient Apostle, closed his letter to the church at Corinth referring to an opportunity that stood before him. He called this opportunity a “great door”. An open door signals a favorable occasion; a means by which entrance and access is granted to the one willing to step through its threshold.

Paul’s perspective of the situation was positive, the opposite of perceived hindrance and obstruction; obviously his vantage point was one of faith. This great door was “Effectual” or in other words effective; a season capable for success had arrived. How true the adage “Success is when preparation meets opportunity”

The locale of this great door was situated in Ephesus. Years before, the door in Ephesus was not so great and not so open. The first recorded arrival was possibly met with little interest or receptivity as Paul did not linger there. (Acts 18:19-21) How familiar these grounds are to they who also have sown seed in the soil of the non interested.

“In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.” - Albert Einstein

Soon after Paul’s departure though, some of his ministerial partners by the name of Aquila and Priscilla cracked the door of opportunity. They remained in Ephesus and found Apollos. What an asset to the Kingdom Apollos would become after they expounded the way of God more perfectly to him.

The Great Door was opened further upon Paul’s return to Ephesus. He soon found 12 original disciples of John who had been baptized unto repentance but lacked further knowledge. They had not heard about the baptisms of Water and Spirit that had been revealed by Jesus as perquisites for salvation.

But when Paul instructed them to believe on Christ as “the Scripture hath said” they were soon re-baptized in the Name of Jesus. Following their baptism, Paul laid his hand on each man and they were filled with the Holy Ghost, evidence by their speaking in other tongues. The Spirit of God was so strong in that place they prophesied as well!

And so a new church in Ephesus had been founded with 12 charter members. The evangelism of Ephesus did not stop there. Two years of ministry followed and special miracles, healings, and deliverances took place. Apostolic evangelism infiltrated the pagan society and “Many of them also which used curious arts brought their books together, and burned them. So mightily grew the Word of God and prevailed.” (Acts 19)

Sometimes doors open slowly and this was demonstrated in Ephesus.

As Paul was closing his letter to Corinth he mentioned that a season of opportunity once again laid before him in Ephesus. The Holy Ghost was speaking to him, leading him, inspiring him. His logical reasoning declared that Adversaries would no doubt be near the Great door. This is always the case it seems when something good is in store for the people of God.

Adversaries usually come in all shapes and sizes, there seems to never be a short supply of them either. Not all are external either, some originate within. Five principle forms that Adversaries can take are:

1. Outside resistance: Usually an Obstructionist parks somewhere near an open door.

2. A lack of internal Desire: This can come in the forms of Un-willingness and Laziness.

3. A lack of internal confidence: The path of least resistance is easier to trod.

4. Absence of Opportunity: Every purpose has a proper time and season, it might be the right thing but the wrong time.

5. A lack of Preparation: “It is better to be prepared for an opportunity and not have one, than to have one & not be prepared.”


More to follow….