1 Corinthians 16:9

KJV

For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} a great {G3173} door {G2374} and {G2532} effectual {G1756} is opened {G455} unto me {G3427}, and {G2532} there are many {G4183} adversaries {G480}.

Complete Jewish Bible

because a great and important door has opened for my work, and there are many people opposing me.

Berean Standard Bible

because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

American Standard Version

for a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 16:9, the Apostle Paul articulates a profound paradox of Christian ministry: the simultaneous presence of immense divine opportunity and significant human opposition. This verse serves as a strategic explanation for his decision to prolong his stay in Ephesus, revealing his unwavering commitment to advancing the gospel despite the inherent challenges, recognizing that where God opens a door for impactful ministry, adversaries often arise in response.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears within the closing remarks of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians, specifically as he outlines his future travel plans and ministry intentions. Following extensive instructions on various aspects of Christian life and doctrine, including a lengthy discourse on the resurrection in [1 Corinthians 15](/1_corinthians/15 "1 Corinthians 15 - The Resurrection"), Paul shifts to practical matters concerning his upcoming visit and the collection for the saints in Jerusalem ([1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - The Collection for the Saints")). He explains his immediate itinerary, stating his intention to remain in Ephesus until Pentecost, a decision directly justified by the "great door and effectual" and the "many adversaries" mentioned in this verse. This strategic rationale underscores Paul's pragmatic approach to ministry, balancing divine leading with an assessment of the spiritual landscape.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul was writing from Ephesus, a prominent Roman provincial capital in Asia Minor, during his third missionary journey (circa AD 55-56). Ephesus was a bustling commercial and religious center, home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. This city was a stronghold of paganism, idolatry, and occult practices, making it a challenging but strategically vital mission field. Paul's ministry there, as detailed in [Acts 19](/acts/19 "Acts 19 - Paul's Ministry in Ephesus"), was marked by extraordinary signs and wonders, leading to widespread conversions and a significant disruption of the local economy tied to idolatry, exemplified by the riot instigated by Demetrius the silversmith ([Acts 19:23-41](/acts/19-23-41 "Acts 19:23-41 - The Riot in Ephesus")). The "many adversaries" were likely a mix of Jewish opponents, pagan idolaters, and perhaps even false teachers or divisive elements within the nascent Christian community, all threatened by the transformative power of the gospel.

* **Key Themes:** 1 Corinthians 16:9 contributes to several overarching themes within Paul's letters and the broader New Testament narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Opportunity in Ministry**, where God sovereignly opens avenues for the spread of His Word, often in unexpected or challenging locations. Paul frequently speaks of such "open doors" for the gospel, as seen in [Colossians 4:3](/colossians/4-3 "Colossians 4:3 - Prayer for an Open Door") and [2 Corinthians 2:12](/2_corinthians/2-12 "2 Corinthians 2:12 - A Door for the Lord in Troas"). Secondly, it underscores the **Reality of Spiritual Opposition**, affirming that powerful gospel advance inevitably provokes intense resistance from forces hostile to God's kingdom. This paradox is a consistent feature of Paul's ministry, as he frequently recounts his tribulations and the constant spiritual warfare he faced (e.g., [2 Corinthians 4:8-9](/2_corinthians/4-8-9 "2 Corinthians 4:8-9 - Paul's Tribulations")). Finally, the verse exemplifies the theme of **Strategic Perseverance in the Face of Adversity**, demonstrating Paul's resolve to remain engaged where God was working, prioritizing the gospel's impact over personal comfort or safety, a commitment echoed throughout his missionary endeavors.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **door (Greek, _thýra'_):** From G2374, apparently a primary word; a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively). In this context, "door" is used metaphorically to signify an opportunity or access point for ministry. It implies a significant opening for the gospel to be proclaimed and take root, indicating a period of fruitful evangelism and church planting.
* **effectual (Greek, _energḗs'_):** From G1756, from ἐν and ἔργον; active, operative. This term emphasizes that the "door" was not merely open but was potent, active, and capable of producing significant results. It denotes a powerful, dynamic, and productive opportunity, suggesting that Paul's ministry in Ephesus was yielding substantial spiritual impact and conversions.
* **adversaries (Greek, _antíkeimai'_):** From G480, from ἀντί and κεῖμαι; to lie opposite, i.e. be adverse (figuratively, repugnant) to. This word describes those who actively set themselves against Paul's work, standing in opposition or hostility. It refers to individuals or groups who resisted the gospel message and sought to hinder its progress, confirming the presence of direct and often intense conflict.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For a great door and effectual is opened unto me":** This clause reveals the primary reason for Paul's continued ministry in Ephesus. The "door" (θύρα, _thýra_) is a potent **metaphor** for a significant opportunity for gospel proclamation and spiritual impact. The adjective "great" (μέγας, _mégas_) underscores the vastness and importance of this opportunity, while "effectual" (ἐνεργής, _energḗs_) highlights its active, powerful, and productive nature. It signifies that God had provided a fertile ground where the gospel could thrive and bear much fruit, making Ephesus a strategic hub for evangelism.
* **"and [there are] many adversaries":** This second clause introduces a stark contrast and a common paradox in Christian ministry. Despite the immense opportunity, Paul faced "many adversaries" (ἀντικείμενοι, _antíkeimenoi_). These were individuals or groups actively opposing his work, whether through verbal attacks, physical persecution, or theological disputes. The presence of "many" emphasizes the widespread and intense nature of this opposition, indicating that significant spiritual activity often provokes an equally significant counter-response from forces hostile to the gospel.

#### Literary Devices
The verse prominently employs **Metaphor**, with "a great door and effectual" serving as a powerful image for an expansive and productive opportunity for ministry. This metaphor is common in Paul's writings, signifying access or an opening for the gospel. Furthermore, the verse presents a stark **Juxtaposition** or **Paradox**, placing the "great door" directly alongside "many adversaries." This literary technique highlights the inherent tension and reality of Christian service: where God is working powerfully, opposition often intensifies. The contrast emphasizes that divine opportunity does not imply ease, but often accompanies significant spiritual warfare, demanding perseverance and strategic engagement.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's experience in Ephesus, as encapsulated in 1 Corinthians 16:9, offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's work and the believer's role. It affirms God's sovereignty in opening doors for the gospel, demonstrating His active involvement in mission. Simultaneously, it reveals the consistent reality of spiritual opposition, reminding us that the advance of God's kingdom inevitably clashes with the forces of darkness. This tension is not a sign of God's absence or disapproval, but often an indicator of significant spiritual activity and the effectiveness of the ministry. Believers are called to discern these divine opportunities and, like Paul, to persevere faithfully despite the adversaries, understanding that the power of the gospel is made perfect in weakness and opposition.

* [Colossians 4:3](/colossians/4-3 "Colossians 4:3 - Prayer for an Open Door for the Word")
* [Revelation 3:8](/revelation/3-8 "Revelation 3:8 - The Open Door in Philadelphia")
* [2 Corinthians 2:12](/2_corinthians/2-12 "2 Corinthians 2:12 - An Open Door for the Lord in Troas")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
1 Corinthians 16:9 provides a timeless framework for understanding and engaging in God's work today. It challenges believers to cultivate a discerning eye for the "great and effectual doors" that God opens in their lives, whether in personal evangelism, vocational calling, or community service. These opportunities may not always appear in comfortable or convenient settings; often, they are found precisely where there is significant resistance or difficulty. The presence of "many adversaries"—be they spiritual forces, cultural opposition, personal struggles, or critical voices—should not deter us, but rather serve as a confirmation that we are on the front lines of God's kingdom work. Like Paul, we are called to embrace perseverance, recognizing that true impact often requires steadfastness in the face of conflict, trusting that God's power is sufficient to overcome all opposition and bring forth fruit from even the most challenging environments. Our strategic presence and unwavering commitment to the gospel, even amidst adversity, are vital for seeing God's purposes fulfilled.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see "great doors and effectual" opening in my life or community, and how am I responding to them?**
* **What "adversaries" (internal or external) do I face when pursuing God-given opportunities, and how do I typically react to them?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of perseverance and strategic engagement, like Paul, when faced with opposition in my service to God?**

### FAQ

**Does the presence of adversaries mean I'm not in God's will?**

Answer: Absolutely not. 1 Corinthians 16:9 powerfully demonstrates the opposite: the presence of "many adversaries" often accompanies a "great door and effectual" opportunity opened by God. This paradox suggests that significant spiritual impact and divine favor frequently provoke strong opposition from forces hostile to God's kingdom. From the ministry of Jesus, who faced constant opposition from religious leaders and demonic forces ([Matthew 12:24](/matthew/12-24 "Matthew 12:24 - Opposition to Jesus")), to the apostles, who endured persecution for proclaiming the gospel ([Acts 4:1-3](/acts/4-1-3 "Acts 4:1-3 - Peter and John Arrested")), the New Testament consistently shows that faithful obedience and effective ministry often attract resistance. Therefore, encountering adversaries can actually be a sign that you are precisely where God wants you to be, engaging in work that truly threatens the kingdom of darkness. It calls for perseverance, prayer, and reliance on God's strength, rather than retreat.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's experience of an "effectual door" accompanied by "many adversaries" finds its ultimate fulfillment and pattern in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself was the "door" through whom humanity gains access to God ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus is the Door")), and His ministry, though full of divine power and grace, was met with relentless opposition from the religious establishment and ultimately led to the cross ([John 1:11](/john/1-11 "John 1:11 - He Came to His Own"), [Matthew 27:22-23](/matthew/27-22-23 "Matthew 27:22-23 - The Crowd Demands Jesus' Crucifixion")). The "great door" of salvation was opened through His ultimate sacrifice, yet this very act was the culmination of intense spiritual warfare and human enmity. Believers, as followers of Christ, are called to walk through the same "doors" of ministry and mission, knowing that just as Christ endured the cross for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Pioneer and Perfecter of Faith")), so too will His disciples face opposition while proclaiming the good news of His kingdom ([John 15:18-20](/john/15-18-20 "John 15:18-20 - The World's Hatred")). Thus, Paul's strategic decision to remain in Ephesus, embracing both opportunity and adversity, perfectly mirrors the Christ-like posture of steadfastness in fulfilling God's redemptive purposes, even unto death, for the glory of the Father and the salvation of the world.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Corinthians 2:12

¶ Furthermore, when I came to Troas to [preach] Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,

Acts 14:27

And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.

Colossians 4:3

Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds:

Revelation 3:7

¶ And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth;

Revelation 3:8

I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name.

2 Corinthians 1:8

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:

2 Corinthians 1:10

Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver [us];