What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:15? Context • Paul is wrapping up his first letter to the Corinthians with practical instructions (1 Colossians 16:1–24). • Just before, he has spoken of giving, travel plans, and faithful coworkers like Timothy (vv.1–14). • Into that flow he inserts verse 15, reminding the church of people they already know—Stephanas and his household—whose example undergirds everything he is urging (compare Philippians 3:17). First converts in Achaia • “You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia...” (1 Colossians 16:15). • Achaia is the Roman province that included Corinth; Stephanas’s family were the “firstfruits” there (similar language in Romans 16:5 about Asia). • Paul had personally baptized them (1 Colossians 1:16), highlighting their early, foundational role. • Their conversion mirrors other household turnarounds in Acts—Lydia’s in Philippi (Acts 16:15) and the jailer’s (Acts 16:31–34)—showing God’s pattern of reaching families. Devoted to the service of the saints • “…and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” • “Devoted” pictures a settled, ongoing commitment (cf. Acts 2:42, where the early believers “devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching”). • “Service” translates the idea of active ministry that meets practical needs; compare Romans 12:13, “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • The “saints” are fellow believers, set apart in Christ (1 Colossians 1:2). Stephanas’s household models Galatians 6:10—doing good “especially to the household of faith.” Paul’s appeal to the Corinthians • “Now I urge you, brothers…”—Paul moves from description to exhortation. • In the verses that follow (vv.16–18) he calls the church to: – Submit to leaders like Stephanas who labor for them. – Acknowledge and refresh such servants (echoing 1 Thessalonians 5:12–13). • The point: respect and cooperate with those God has clearly raised up, rather than jockeying for status as many in Corinth had been doing (see 1 Corinthians 3:3–4). Application for today • Early commitment counts. Being “first” in faith often means laying a foundation for others (John 1:40–42; Acts 18:8). • Whole-family discipleship is vital; Stephanas shows how households can unite in ministry (Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Acts 10:2). • Genuine devotion expresses itself in tangible service—time, resources, hospitality (Hebrews 6:10). • Churches flourish when members honor faithful servants instead of pursuing personal platforms (Philippians 2:29–30). summary Paul spotlights Stephanas’s household as the pioneering converts in Achaia and as believers who continually pour themselves out for fellow saints. By urging the Corinthian church to recognize and follow such servant-leaders, he reminds us that lasting ministry springs from early, wholehearted devotion and that healthy congregations gladly submit to and support those who labor selflessly in the Lord’s work. |
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