“But I will stay on at Ephesus until Pentecost, because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me” (1 Corinthians 16:8-9).

Paul stayed at Ephesus for about two and a half years. His ministry there did prove to be “a great door for effective work.” Out of Ephesus as a center, Paul’s ministry resulted in the establishment of many churches in that region. Acts 19 describes the revival that took place in Ephesus. It was one of the most successful campaigns in Paul’s ministry.

That kind of success can only be explained by an open door of opportunity. It is important to note that Paul doesn’t say that the door for effective work was opened by him but to him. In the book of Revelation Jesus reveals Himself to be the One who opens doors no man can shut and shuts doors no man can open. The Lord opened the door and Paul walked through it. When God opens a door Paul gave us an example to follow—walk through it!

In my perfect world there would be no conflict and no opposition. Life doesn’t work that way. With an open door comes opposition. Demetrius, whose idol-making business was threatened by Paul’s success, caused a riot by assembling a mob and accusing Paul of threatening their religion. “When they heard this, they were furious and began shouting: ‘Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!’ Soon the whole city was in an uproar” (Acts 19:28-29a).

Paul’s resolve was clear. “I will stay on.” Our message has the power to bring hope and salvation to those that believe and opposition to the gospel can’t overcome that. When a door opens there will be opposition. Walk through that door anyway. God’s purposes will prevail over any obstacle.