9 For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
9 because a great door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many who oppose me.
9 for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
9 A huge door of opportunity for good work has opened up here. (There is also mushrooming opposition.)
9 For a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.
9 There is a wide-open door for a great work here, although many oppose me.
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
12 Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me,
12 When I came to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ, even though a door was opened for me in the Lord,
12 When I arrived in Troas to proclaim the Message of the Messiah, I found the place wide open: God had opened the door; all I had to do was walk through it.
12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord,
12 When I came to the city of Troas to preach the Good News of Christ, the Lord opened a door of opportunity for me.
(Read 2 Corinthians 2:12-17)
A believer's triumphs are all in Christ. To him be the praise and glory of all, while the success of the gospel is a good reason for a Christian's joy and rejoicing. In ancient triumphs, abundance of perfumes and sweet odours were used; so the name and salvation of Jesus, as ointment poured out, was a sweet savour diffused in every place. Unto some, the gospel is a savour of death unto death. They reject it to their ruin. Unto others, the gospel is a savour of life unto life: as it quickened them at first when they were dead in trespasses and sins, so it makes them more lively, and will end in eternal life. Observe the awful impressions this matter made upon the apostle, and should also make upon us. The work is great, and of ourselves we have no strength at all; all our sufficiency is of God. But what we do in religion, unless it is done in sincerity, as in the sight of God, is not of God, does not come from him, and will not reach to him. May we carefully watch ourselves in this matter; and seek the testimony of our consciences, under the teaching of the Holy Spirit, that as of sincerity, so speak we in Christ and of Christ.
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:
3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison--
3 Don't forget to pray for us, that God will open doors for telling the mystery of Christ, even while I'm locked up in this jail.
3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains,
3 Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains.
(Read Colossians 4:2-6)
No duties can be done aright, unless we persevere in fervent prayer, and watch therein with thanksgiving. The people are to pray particularly for their ministers. Believers are exhorted to right conduct towards unbelievers. Be careful in all converse with them, to do them good, and recommend religion by all fit means. Diligence in redeeming time, commends religion to the good opinion of others. Even what is only carelessness may cause a lasting prejudice against the truth. Let all discourse be discreet and seasonable, as becomes Christians. Though it be not always of grace, it must always be with grace. Though our discourse be of that which is common, yet it must be in a Christian manner. Grace is the salt which seasons our discourse, and keeps it from corrupting. It is not enough to answer what is asked, unless we answer aright also.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:9
Commentary on 1 Corinthians 16:1-9
(Read 1 Corinthians 16:1-9)
The good examples of other Christians and churches should rouse us. It is good to lay up in store for good uses. Those who are rich in this world, should be rich in good works, James 4:15. Adversaries and opposition do not break the spirits of faithful and successful ministers, but warm their zeal, and inspire them with fresh courage. A faithful minister is more discouraged by the hardness of his hearers' hearts, and the backslidings of professors, than by the enemies' attempts.