Chapter
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Verse

1 Corinthians 16:9

ESV for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
NIV because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
NASB for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
CSB because a wide door for effective ministry has opened for me —yet many oppose me.
NLT There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
KJV For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
NKJV For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

What does 1 Corinthians 16:9 mean?

Paul has been describing his travel plans to the Corinthians, including his plan to come and spend some time with them within the year before winter sets in. He does not plan to leave Ephesus, however, until Pentecost—either the literal date or the season. Now he explains why.

"A wide door for effective work has opened to [Paul]" in Ephesus. He often uses the analogy of a door when describing the openness of a region to hearing the gospel and trusting in Christ (2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3; Acts 14:27). However, there are also many enemies opposed to the gospel at the same time. In fact, throughout Paul's ministry, great opposition to the gospel flared up in response to great interest in the gospel, often placing him in danger as more and more people came to faith in Christ.

Once again, Paul demonstrates in this statement that he views opposition to the gospel as part of the evidence that it is being effective. His instinct is not to run but to double down on his ministry when things begin to get heated.
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