IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

An Open Door for Effective Work

Date: Aug. 30, 2026

Passage

1 Corinthians 16:1-12

The Collection for the Saints

16:1 Now concerning the collection for the saints: as I directed the churches of Galatia, so you also are to do. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come. And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.

Plans for Travel

I will visit you after passing through Macedonia, for I intend to pass through Macedonia, and perhaps I will stay with you or even spend the winter, so that you may help me on my journey, wherever I go. For I do not want to see you now just in passing. I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11 So let no one despise him. Help him on his way in peace, that he may return to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.

Final Instructions

12 Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 16:8-9

But I will stay in Ephesus until Pentecost, for a wide door for effective work has opened to me, and there are many adversaries.

After describing the wonders of the resurrection, Paul turned toward his current ministry. He was in the process of collecting funds from the Gentile churches for a gift to Jerusalem. This wasn’t just a transfer of money, but a clear testimony of the work God was doing among the Gentiles. Paul would use this collection to display how great was God’s presence among the Gentile churches.

Paul took great pride in the Gentile ministry. It was his specific calling. (Ac 9:15; Ro 15:15-16) Though Paul wanted to visit the Corinthian church, he stayed at Ephesus because God had opened a great door for effective work. Paul served the risen Jesus wherever he was revealing himself. Paul would send Timothy and Apollos at God’s right time as well. God was clearly working across the Gentile world, and Paul labored always to serve him with the greatest effect.

Prayer: Lord, give me discernment to see where the risen Jesus is working. Help me to be effective in proclaiming the gospel each day.

One Word: Find an open door for God’s work

Daily Bread

In the Shelter of God’s Wings

Psalm 61:1-8

Key Verse: 61:4

Let me dwell in your tent forever!
Let me take refuge under the shelter of your wings! Selah

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