The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

I Corinthians 16:5-9, “I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia;
6 and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go.
7 For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.
8 But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost;
9 for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.”

When Saul of Tarsus came to know Jesus, his name was changed to Paul; and he was thereafter always on the go to tell others! That’s really how it ought to be with all of us who know Jesus. Interestingly, too, Paul had a clear focus on where he was headed, yet the particulars of the journey had not been fully worked out.

“Perhaps,” “even spend the winter,” “wherever I may go,” “I hope to remain,” and “if the LORD permits.” Each of these phrases signify the yet-to-be-determined particulars. Still, there were some solid concepts in Paul’s heart and mind.

I’ve always admired verses 8 and 9: “But I will remain in Ephesus…for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.” These verses depict the clarity of Paul’s heart and mind.

First, there was that “wide door for effective service.” This was no dream; it was reality! Exactly what that service was, we are not told; but, we can be certain it was an open opportunity for sharing the Gospel.

Paul then stated, “and there are many adversaries.” If the word “but” were to have replaced the word “and” (as many misspeak when reading it), it would have given the idea that Paul was hesitant –perhaps, even fearful—of this undertaking. But, no! He says, “…and there are many adversaries!”

Granted, none of us are like Paul. We dodge the “buts” and shiver over mention of the “ands.” Yet, Paul’s LORD is our LORD! And He works for us as He did for Paul. Why are we so afraid? We should be thankful that He allows us to serve Him in spiritual battles. Verse 10 tells us that Timothy is not afraid. He is doing the LORD’s work, and so are we! So, why are we so often afraid? Let us trust Him fully! He never fails!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom