What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:16? submit • The instruction begins with a call to “submit.” Scripture consistently presents willing submission as an act of obedience to Christ: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ” (Ephesians 5:21). • Submission is not blind surrender but a recognition of God-appointed order. Hebrews 13:17 urges believers to “obey your leaders and submit to them,” linking submission with spiritual watch-care and accountability. • By placing “submit” first, Paul underscores that humility is a prerequisite for harmony in the body (Philippians 2:3-4). to such as these • The phrase points back to Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus (1 Corinthians 16:15-18). Paul had just described the household of Stephanas as “the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to ministry to the saints” (v. 15). • Why submit to them? – They were proven servants, not self-appointed bosses. – Their devotion to the saints demonstrated Christlike character (Mark 10:43-45). – Their presence refreshed Paul’s spirit and the Corinthian church alike (v. 18), echoing Onesiphorus’s example in 2 Timothy 1:16-18. • Paul’s pattern is clear: honor those whose lives reflect sacrificial service (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13). and to every fellow worker and laborer • Paul widens the circle beyond Stephanas. Any believer actively engaged in gospel work deserves respect and cooperation (Romans 16:3-4). • “Fellow worker” highlights partnership, a theme he used of Timothy (Romans 16:21) and Titus (2 Corinthians 8:23). • “Laborer” reminds us ministry involves effort and endurance (1 Corinthians 15:58). The church is “God’s fellow workers” (1 Corinthians 3:9), so no task is trivial—whether preaching, discipling, or practical helps (Acts 6:2-4). • John echoes this inclusive support: “We ought to support such men, so that we may be fellow workers for the truth” (3 John 8). summary Paul’s brief command packs a clear charge: cultivate a heart that gladly aligns under proven, servant-hearted leadership and partners with every believer engaged in the work of the gospel. Such Spirit-led submission fosters unity, honors Christ, and propels the mission forward. |
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