1 Corinthians 16:15-18 (WEL) I plead with you, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas is the first fruits of Achaia. They have voluntarily dedicated themselves to the ministry to the saints. 16 Follow such and everyone who helps and works with us. 17 I am glad for the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 They have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge those that are of this sort.
V15 I plead with you, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas is the first fruits of Achaia. They have dedicated themselves to the ministry to the saints.
Paul mentions this family as an example of Christian service and thankfully acknowledges their service. See John 12:26.
The Greek word saints is (G0040) ἅγιος hagios, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “The basic meaning of hagios indicates a quality of devotion or consecration to a deity, and by extension it refers to moral purity.”
The Greek word does not refer to a special group of believers.
Comments:
(Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown Commentary) Translate, “Set themselves, (that is, voluntarily) to minister unto the saints” (compare 2Co 8:4).
(Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible) Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honor of the churches, and to remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. They should willingly acknowledge the worth of such, and all who labored with or helped the apostle.
V16 Follow such and to everyone who helps and works with us.
The word submit in most translations must be understood as to notice and follow (submit) to their example. This is a voluntary submission instead of the military sense, so it is to be a voluntary submission as in Ephesians 5:21 and 1 Peter 5:5.
Paul points out their faithfulness in ministry and Christian life; follow their example.
V17 I am glad for the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for they have supplied what was lacking on your part.
These people have helped Paul and his evangelistic team. Paul is not shaming the Corinthians but is just stating the facts.
V18 They have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore, acknowledge those that are of this sort.
The Greek word for refreshed is (G0373) ἀναπαύω anapauō, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “This verb refers to the act of resting/being refreshed or to the action of giving rest to someone else. In Mark 6, after the Twelve are sent out to preach, drive out demons, and heal, Jesus instructs the tired disciples, “Come away by yourselves to a remote place and rest for a while” (v. 31; cf. Rev. 14:13).”
Acknowledge is from the Greek word (G1921) epiginōskō ἐπιγινώσκω, which means (Baker Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words) “This verb is generally used to denote a change in the level of one’s knowledge or awareness—for example, to recognize (Matt. 17:12; Mark 6:54), realize (Luke 1:22), learn or find out (Acts 9:30), or come to know or understand (Col. 1:6).”
Two principles we can apply to ourselves:
- Be aware of other believers’ needs and encourage and help them, if you are able.
- Appreciate, acknowledge, and thank them.
We learn:
- We must be Christian examples.
- We learn from each other.
Questions:
- Are you living your life according to Jesus’s rules?
- What type of example are you showing others by your life in private and public?