Whenever God opens doors, the devil orchestrates opposition. The devil knows that he cannot close doors that God has opened, so he tries to discourage us or frighten us to cause us to walk away from the opportunity that God has provided for us.
In Acts 18:19-21, Paul went to Ephesus for a brief time and
then left, leaving Priscilla and Aquila, presumably to
establish some ministry there. Paul then traveled to
Caesarea, on to Antioch, and then to Galatia and Phrygia
where he ministered to disciples that had already come to
Christ (Acts 18:23.)
During that time, Apollos arrived in Ephesus, where under
the tutelage of Priscilla and Aquila, he preached the
gospel. A few people believed in the Lord Jesus as a result
of his ministry. He then left Ephesus for other places of
ministry that he felt the Lord was leading him to.
Shortly thereafter, Paul returned to Ephesus and found the
group of people who had believed on Christ, and began doing
ministry there among them. Almost immediately, God filled
them with the Holy Spirit and a revival began to erupt in
Ephesus. Doors for ministry seemed to be wide open and God
was working with Paul with signs and wonders following his
ministry.
Yet, at the same time, there was stiff opposition. The
resistance came first from some of the Jewish leaders in the
city and then from the local people who worshipped a local
deity. Eventually, the opposition was so intense that there
was a city wide riot and finally Paul left the city.
There was, however, by that time a strong congregation in
the city of Ephesus. Indeed, there is some thought that the
apostle John later pastured the church in Ephesus.
It was during Paul’s time of ministry in Ephesus that he
wrote the book of I Corinthians. Later when Paul wrote again
to the Corinthian church, he mentioned those days of
opposition and persecution in Ephesus. He said,
“We were burdened excessively, beyond
our strength, so that we despaired even of life.” (II
Corinthians 1:8)
Yes, Paul, Priscilla and Aquila, and Apollos all had open
doors for ministry. There were many victories. People were
saved. Acts 19:11 says, “God worked
unusual miracles by the hands of Paul.” Many people
were delivered from demonic darkness, bondage, and sorcery.
Yet, during the times of victories, and powerful testimonies
of God’s power, there were intense struggles and open
opposition. God had opened the door but the devil tried to
discourage Paul and the other faithful workers. Ultimately,
the devil could not stop the church from being established
in Ephesus, but he tried. God gave Paul and His church
victory despite the opposition.
During these days God is also giving us many victories. We
have seen God’s power manifested in many different ways, and
we have been privileged to hear some wonderful testimonies
of God’s healing and delivering power. During the last few
years we have seen thousands of people pray, inviting the
Lord Jesus to come into their hearts.
We are living in days of revival and witnesses of God’s many
blessings; yet we also have experienced opposition and
difficulties. There have been times of testing and
tribulation. There have been a few times when we did not
know how we could go on any farther, but God has graciously
given us favor when we needed it, grace, where it was
demanded, and strength when we felt we could not go any
further.
Like Paul, we are sure that, “He will
yet deliver us, you also joining with us through your
prayers.” II Corinthians 1:10-11
Please pray for us!
