1 Cor. 16:8-9 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.
In the final chapter of his first letters to the Corinthians, Paul informed them of his travel plans. What struck me is verse 8. Paul was a missionary preaching the gospel to the Gentiles. He established and discipled many churches in many places. Ephesus was one of them. Some background/context on Ephesus and Paul’s experiences in this place.
In the ancient world, Ephesus was a center of travel and commerce. Situated on the Aegean Sea at the mouth of the Cayster River, the city was one of the greatest seaports of the ancient world.
Temple of Artemis
Considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, Ephesus’ Temple of Artemis was dedicated to the goddess of the hunt. Paul’s successful ministry in this city was considered a threat to this very temple (Acts 19:27).
Commercial Agora
This market area is known as the “Square Agora” because of its dimensions 360 feet square. It arose in the Hellenistic period and was surrounded on all sides by arched shops about 40 feet deep. It is located next to the harbor and was the city’s main commercial center. It is quite possible that Paul worked here with Priscilla and Aquila in their tent-making business.
Theater
Originally holding 25,000 people, this theater was built in the Hellenistic period and was renovated by several Roman emperors. Designed for theatrical performances, later alterations allowed gladiatorial contests to be held here. When Paul was accused of hurting the Artemis and her temple, the mob gathered together in this theater (Acts 19:23-41).
Reflections:
1) Paul planned to ‘STAY ON’ in Ephesus.
Who wants to linger in a place where one is not popular? Paul encountered great opposition in Ephesus before. He was accused and mobbed for causing harm to the business and worship of Artemis. Yet Paul stayed 3 years in Ephesus. He also returned to Ephesus. For what?
2) “Because a great door for ‘EFFECTIVE WORK’ was opened to me” and there are many who ‘OPPOSE’ me.
Effective work does not mean being popular with the people in the workplace. Paul experienced great difficulties because many tried to kill him. In spite of this, he considered the more opposition, the more effective ministry to be done.
Reflections:
How often we run away when we meet opposition. How do we fare when many are against the work that we do? Do we get discouraged? Do we persevere? How do we see these obstacles? Are these opportunities for effective work? Do we not rather stay in our comfort zone? Is it not easier to be working with and among people who are on the same page with us? Who wants to go back to a place of great opposition?
Paul was not stopped by opposition because he had good motivation. His goal was to proclaim Christ even to people who opposed him. What motivates you? What do you consider effective work? How you respond to opposition determines how long you ‘stay on.’
