1 Corinthians 16

Sunday, 10 May 2015

The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you heartily in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 1 Corinthians 16:19

“Asia” here is the general area of Asia Minor. The churches that were in that region obviously communicated with one another often. In their communications, they remembered those in Corinth with fraternal thoughts. As Paul traveled, he certainly brought up the many areas he had visited in conversation, remembering their needs and speaking of their strengths.

Along with the churches, Aquila and Priscilla wanted to make sure those in Corinth knew they were still on their hearts and minds. They had previously been members of the church in Corinth and moved with Paul as he traveled. Together “with the church that is in their house” they sent on their hearty greetings.

Paul’s final salutations are careful to include such heartfelt thoughts, knowing that such remembrances add a personal touch to the communication. In the case of this letter, it would help those in Corinth to assimilate all of his advice and instruction in a welcoming manner. The issues he has addressed were many and very sensitive in nature. For him to add these thoughts from other churches and people shows that they were held in a positive light during his conversations with them. It is a tactful way of closing out this important epistle.

Life application: Speaking well of others when they aren’t around is always a favorable way of ensuring that they know they are loved. Such words of favor inevitably will get back to the one being spoken of. Let our words about others always be salted with grace and charity.

Lord, how easy it is for misunderstandings to come up between people when conversations are misconstrued. Help my words to be filled with grace and charity and also with thoughtful consideration as I speak or write. Because misunderstandings arise, feelings are inevitably going to be hurt unless intent is clear and the words are spoken in love. And should my words be taken in a wrong way, give me the ability to correct the confusion in a manner which will bring restoration to the relationship. Help me in this Lord. Amen.

Saturday, 9 May 2015

For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men. 1 Corinthians 16:18

Still speaking of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus who had come to Paul with the news of those in Corinth, he notes that “they refreshed my spirit.” Paul carried with him the thought of the churches he had established and those he had come to know. He certainly wondered how they fared, grieved when they strayed, and rejoiced as they pursued the Lord. Hearing about those in Corinth was therefore a refreshing thing, even if much of the news was less than wonderful.

By knowing where there were trials or dysfunctions, he could set them on a right course. This is exactly the purpose of writing this letter. But this wasn’t just a one-way street. Not only was he refreshed by their coming, but their spirit was as well. He would carry the letter back which would answer their questions, tell them of how he was, and direct them in how to handle the divisions which had arisen within the church. The anxieties and suspicions that were felt on both sides would be quelled through this encounter.

And because these three were willing to leave their home and travel to Paul in order to have these things come about, Paul asks them to “therefore acknowledge such men.” Missionaries travel to places others don’t. They carry a message which is there for the refreshing of spirits. Musicians often travel with gospel songs intended to uplift the churches they encounter. Evangelists travel spreading their message as they go. These and others should be acknowledged for their efforts.

Life application: In the church, there are a host of duties which need to be accomplished in order to get the message of Jesus Christ out. Each person can do something, but those who bear the heaviest of burdens should be given the highest of praise. Be sure to thank those who minister in various ways, acknowledging them for the efforts.

Lord, I really am grateful for those who step out and carry the message which needs to be proclaimed. Missionaries, musicians, evangelists, and even street preachers are all doing something in hopes of increasing Your kingdom and spreading Your word. I pray for them today, asking that You give them an extra blessing and a hand of comfort as they continue with their most notable of efforts. Amen.

Friday, 8 May 2015

 I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. 1 Corinthians 16:17

These three who came to Paul at Ephesus were probably the ones chosen to carry the letter referenced in 1 Corinthians 7:1. They traveled together until they reached Paul and probably had a good discussion as they reviewed the words of the letter. They also must have included discussions concerning the “divisions” of the church mentioned so often by Paul. At the same time, the fellowship with Paul, and their ability to accept his counsel, would have encouraged him.

He knew he had to travel to Corinth and he knew that problems existed there. This probably caused him to anguish, as a father would over a child that had such problems. With their arrival and their working together over these issues, he was given a sense of comfort. The words “for what was lacking on your part they supplied” seem to show a rebuke and are probably better rendered as the ESV states – “because they have made up for your absence.”

In other words, Paul felt the absence and the miles between them which kept him from providing the sound counsel they needed. With the coming of these three, the miles melted away and with them went the frustrations that he had felt. Rather than a rebuke, this is a grateful and filling comment made by Paul to his beloved church.

Life application: Sometimes only the presence of another can cut through one’s loneliness and frustration. If you perceive someone is having difficult times and you can personally visit them then this is often the preferred option. Surely nothing can replace human contact and a smile from a friend.

Lord, some people just seem to know when to reach out to others and fill the voids that they are facing. Nothing can replace a friendly voice and a welcome smile. I know this, and so I would ask that You would fill me with this type of wisdom. Help me to know when to step in and offer that special touch to those in need. I know that they will benefit from it and that I will always learn from it as well. Amen.

Thursday, 7 May 2015

…that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us. 1 Corinthians 16:16

Taken together along with the previous verse, we will get a better sense of Paul’s intent –

“I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— ¹⁶ that you also submit to such, and to everyone who works and labors with us.”

He wants those in Corinth to see their necessary duty because of the voluntary duty of another. Just as the household of Stephanas has “devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints” they should likewise “submit to such.” Even though Stephanas was probably a slave belonging to Chloe’s household, he was a free man in Christ. In this status, Paul is asking those free Corinthians to submit themselves to him. In Christ, there are truly no distinctions which the world notices. Hence we get a better sense of Paul’s words in Galatians 3 –

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28

This is the reality which is found in this new life in which we live. Those who minister in the Lord are to be given the honor of that ministry, regardless of their worldly position. This includes slaves such as Stephanas “and to everyone who works and labors” in the service of Christ.

Life application: There are some very fine Bible teachers who have day jobs that might seem lowly – janitors, electricians, farmers, or grocery baggers may be great theologians willing to share their knowledge with others. If so, they should be given both respect and gratitude for their efforts.

Heavenly Father, thank you for those regular folks who have day jobs and busy schedules and yet who are willing to take on the additional work of Bible teaching. I would pray that those who learn under them would give them an additional touch of respect and a sharing of their own blessings in acknowledgement of their faithful service. It is good and proper that they are recognized for their service to You and their careful attention to Your word. Thank You for blessing them. Amen.

Wednesday, 6 May 2015

I urge you, brethren—you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 1 Corinthians 16:15

Paul now makes a firm request to “the brethren” concerning “the household of Stephanas.” They are mentioned as having been baptized by Paul in 1 Corinthians 16. His thought here begins with an urging and then it gives the “who” and the “why” concerning the urging. Only in the next verse will the “what” of the urging detail.

But there is also an unstated possible reason for Paul’s words. It seems from verse 17 that Stephanas was one of the ones who carried the ill-report of what was going on in Corinth to Paul. The circumstances of that report is seen in 1 Corinthians 1:11 –

“For it has been declared to me concerning you, my brethren, by those of Chloe’s household, that there are contentions among you.”

If this is so, then Paul’s words are intended to look at the devotion of Stephanas to the Corinthians and not to any supposed back-biting or tattling. The issues Paul has been discussing have needed to be addressed in order to maintain right doctrine and also purity within the congregation. There is nothing out of order in reporting such infractions. If Stephanas was a part of this, Paul’s words make all the more sense.

He notes now that “the household of Stephanas” were “the firstfruits of Achaia.” This alone shows a dedicated soul. The first to come forward is always the one who steps into the unknown. After the first, the others will often naturally follow. And so he set an example which was emulated by others. But he didn’t stop there. He and his family “devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints.”

The work of this noble family was with the heart of others within the faith. If he was a member of Chloe’s household who carried the news of the failings of the Corinthians to Paul, it was for their benefit, not their condemnation. Because of this, Paul is urging that they be so recognized for their efforts.

Life application: Those who minister to the saints are often those who aren’t even in leadership positions. It is good and proper to recognize such people and to return the favor when possible. Such actions should never be just a one way street.

Lord God, it is pretty wonderful that there are people in the church I attend who quietly minister to others. They help out with things that need to be done, they bring things for others to enjoy, they provide a hug when necessary, and they quietly work to keep others happy. They have their own little ministry that is often overlooked and yet it is a great asset to the overall congregation. Look into their deeds and reward them abundantly O God. Thank You for such caring people. Amen!