“I will stay…there are many adversaries”

In 1 Corinthians 16, Paul speaks of his desire to come to Corinth. He decides to stay put in Ephesus for the time being. His reason is fascinating:

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective ministry has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. (1 Corinthians 16:8-9)

We get the first part. We’re used to staying put when there’s a door wide open for effective ministry. But take note of the second part. There were many who opposed Paul. According to Paul, that is a reason to stay. We normally take that as reason to leave. Paul sees the two going together. Opportunities and opposition often go together.

Craig Blomberg says, “In our transient age, we need Christians from all walks of life to go to a place and stay for a long time.”

It’s not like there is never a reason to leave, but let’s not let opposition take us by surprise. Expect it. And don’t miss the “wide door for effective work” that may be open as well.