What qualities made Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus refreshing to Paul? Setting the Scene “I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Therefore appreciate men like these.” What “Refreshed” Looks Like • “Refreshed” (ἀνέπαυσαν) points to reviving a tired soul—like cool water to a parched traveler. • Paul says their ministry lifted “my spirit and yours,” so their impact reached both the apostle and the whole Corinthian church. Qualities That Brought the Refreshment • Present and Available – They made the long trip from Corinth to Ephesus, choosing presence over mere letters. – Proverbs 25:25: “Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land.” Their physical arrival embodied that good news. • Supply-Minded – “They have supplied what was lacking from you.” Likely financial help, news from home, and practical assistance (Philippians 4:18 parallels Epaphroditus). – Their giving was proactive, not pried out of them (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Devoted Servants – Verse 15: “the household of Stephanas… have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.” The Greek verb means they “set themselves” to ministry—no half-heart. – Galatians 5:13: “Serve one another in love.” They lived it. • Humble Submission to Leadership – Verse 16: “Be subject to such as these.” Their example invited willing follow-ship, not forced compliance (Hebrews 13:17). • Encouragers by Word and Presence – 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 shows Paul lifted by Titus’s arrival; same dynamic here. – Simple fellowship can break chains of discouragement (Acts 28:15). • Representatives of the Body – They stood in for the whole church, bridging distance and mending relational tension. – Colossians 4:7-9 illustrates this ambassador role with Tychicus and Onesimus. • Faithful Friends in Struggle – Paul wrote 1 Corinthians amid conflict; these brothers brought loyalty, not criticism. – Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Takeaway for Today • Go in person when possible; presence preaches. • Look for gaps and quietly fill them. • Cultivate a heart that leaps to serve. • Encourage your leaders—ministry can be lonely. • Carry your church’s love wherever you travel. • Be the brother or sister born for another’s adversity. Recognize and Imitate “Therefore appreciate men like these.” (1 Corinthians 16:18) Honor refreshers, and, by God’s grace, become one. |
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