“May 22, 2024 - A Wide Door”

Tuesday, May 21, 2024

A Wide Door

Reading:  1 Corinthians 16:1-11
    
    Paul has been encouraging Gentile churches to send a contribution to help needy Jewish Christians (see Rom 15:25-27) and here gives instructions to the Corinthians.  “On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come”(1 Cor 16:2).  To prepare this gift, the Corinthians need to  take up a collection during their regular gatherings “on the first day of every week.”  These contributions by each disciple “as he may prosper” show that God accepts our sacrifice according to what we have (rather than someone else's wealth).

    Paul shares his travel plans with the Corinthians, hoping to have an opportunity to spend more extensive time with them (v. 6-7).  However, something has demanded his attention:  “But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries”(1 Cor 16:8-9).  The work in Ephesus is both thriving and threatened; Paul insists on giving it his full effort even if it alters his plans.  Meanwhile he sends Timothy to Corinth and challenges them to “put him at ease among you” and “help him on his way in peace”(1 Cor 16:10, 11).  Paul is probably concerned that the sharp tone of this letter will affect their treatment of Timothy and seeks to prevent this.

    Paul sees that “a wide door for effective work” is open in Ephesus.  The gospel is taking root and growing there.  Yet he also mentions that “there are many adversaries.”  Many preachers would leave a place where enemies are; Paul stays.  Many preachers would assume opponents mean a closed door; Paul sees a door wide open.  Challenges in our lives are really opportunities for growth, for God’s power, and for battling with Satan. 

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One Thing to Think About:  Do I assume “wide doors” only exist where there is no difficulty?

One Thing to Pray For:  The perspective to see potential in hardship
 

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