2 Corinthians 2:12
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord,
Original Language Analysis
Ἐλθὼν
when I came
G2064
Ἐλθὼν
when I came
Strong's:
G2064
Word #:
1 of 16
to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
3 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Τρῳάδα
Troas
G5174
Τρῳάδα
Troas
Strong's:
G5174
Word #:
5 of 16
the troad (or plain of troy), i.e., troas, a place in asia minor
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
6 of 16
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Χριστοῦ
preach Christ's
G5547
Χριστοῦ
preach Christ's
Strong's:
G5547
Word #:
10 of 16
anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
θύρας
a door
G2374
θύρας
a door
Strong's:
G2374
Word #:
12 of 16
a portal or entrance (the opening or the closure, literally or figuratively)
Cross References
Acts 16:8And they passing by Mysia came down to Troas.Acts 14:27And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles.Colossians 4:3Withal 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:1 Corinthians 16:9For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries.
Historical Context
Troas (modern Eski Stamboul, Turkey) was a Roman colony and major port. Paul visited multiple times (Acts 16:8-11, 20:5-12). The city offered strategic access to both Asia Minor and Macedonia, making the "opened door" particularly significant. Paul's willingness to leave despite opportunity shows pastoral priorities.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between providential opportunities and mere possibilities?
- When is it right to postpone ministry expansion to address pastoral needs?
- What does Paul's use of "opened door" teach about recognizing God's guidance?
Analysis & Commentary
Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord—Paul abruptly shifts from discussing the disciplined offender to his travel narrative. The phrase thura moi aneōgmenē (θύρα μοι ἀνεῳγμένη, "a door opened to me") is Paul's idiom for evangelistic opportunity (1 Cor 16:9, Col 4:3). Troas was a strategic port city connecting Asia and Macedonia, making it ideal for Gospel expansion. Paul recognizes divine providence in ministry opportunities—the passive voice "was opened" indicates God's sovereign work.
The phrase to euangelion tou Christou (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Χριστοῦ, "the gospel of Christ") emphasizes the message's content: Christ Himself is the good news. Despite favorable circumstances, Paul would abandon this opportunity (v. 13), demonstrating that pastoral concern for existing churches sometimes overrides evangelistic expansion. Apostolic ministry requires wisdom to discern priorities—even "open doors" may need delaying when pastoral crises demand attention.