1 Corinthians 16:15 kjv
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
1 Corinthians 16:15 nkjv
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 niv
You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the Lord's people. I urge you, brothers and sisters,
1 Corinthians 16:15 esv
Now I urge you, brothers ? you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints ?
1 Corinthians 16:15 nlt
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God's people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters,
1 Corinthians 16 15 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Cor 16:16 | That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us and laboureth. | Encouragement for submission to leadership |
| Phil 2:29 | Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation: | Honoring fellow laborers |
| 1 Thess 5:12 | And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; | Knowing and respecting leaders |
| Heb 13:17 | Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. | Obedience and submission to leaders |
| Rom 12:8 | He that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness. | Qualities of those in leadership |
| 1 Tim 5:17 | Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine. | Double honor for ruling elders |
| Gal 6:6 | Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. | Sharing with those who teach |
| 1 Cor 3:9 | For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. | Partnership in God's work |
| 1 Cor 12:28 | And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. | Various roles and helps in the church |
| 2 Cor 8:23 | Whether of Titus; he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or of our brethren, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ. | Fellow helpers and messengers |
| 2 Cor 12:11 | I am become a fool in glorying; ye have compelled me: for I ought to have been commended of you: for in nothing am I behind the very chiefest apostles, though I be nothing. | Recognizing apostles' work |
| Eph 4:11 | And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; | Apostolic gifting for church building |
| 1 Tim 3:1-7 | This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ... | Qualifications for leadership |
| Tit 1:5-9 | For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee: ... | Appointing elders and leaders |
| 1 Thess 1:7 | So that ye were ensamples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia. | Being examples in faith |
| Rom 16:6 | Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us. | Recognizing women's labor in the church |
| Rom 16:9 | Salute Urbanus, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. | Helpers in Christ |
| Rom 16:21 | Timotheus my workfellow, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, saith Paul. | Fellow workers in the ministry |
| Col 1:7 | As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; | Fellowservants and ministers of Christ |
| Acts 18:25 | This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. | Zealous teaching of the Lord's way |
1 Corinthians 16 verses
1 Corinthians 16 15 Meaning
This verse exhorts believers to be submissive to every spiritual leader and helper who is working alongside them and laboring in the same divine task. It emphasizes recognizing and honoring those who serve within the community of faith.
1 Corinthians 16 15 Context
This verse is the concluding exhortation in Paul's letter to the Corinthian church. Chapter 16 deals with practical matters, including the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem and Paul's travel plans. In the immediate context, Paul is instructing the Corinthians on how to conduct themselves within the community and in relation to those who serve them. The preceding verses mention individuals who have strengthened the church and labored alongside Paul. This verse builds upon that, urging the believers to recognize and submit to such dedicated individuals and to all who contribute to the common good of the body of Christ. Historically, the early church relied on recognized leaders and fellow workers for spiritual guidance and practical support, and submission to them was a sign of order and maturity within the community.
1 Corinthians 16 15 Word Analysis
Now I beseech you, brethren,
- "Now": Introduces a transition, moving from specific instructions or information to a concluding exhortation.
- "beseech you": From Greek erotao (ἐρωτάω), meaning to ask, entreat, implore. It carries a tone of earnest request or plea.
- "brethren": adelphoi (ἀδελφοὶ), refers to fellow believers in Christ, emphasizing the familial relationship within the church.
ye know the house of Stephanas,
- "ye know": eido (εἴδω), signifies that the Corinthians have personal knowledge or familiarity with this household.
- "the house of Stephanas": Refers to the family and household of Stephanas, whom Paul had previously baptized and who were the "firstfruits of Achaia" (1 Cor 16:15b). It implies their established position and service in the church at Corinth.
that it is the firstfruits of Achaia,
- "firstfruits": aparchē (ἀπαρχή), the initial part or offering dedicated to God. Biblically, it signifies the beginning of a harvest, implying sanctification and consecration. In this context, it denotes that Stephanas' household was among the earliest converts in the region. This position often carried a recognized spiritual status or leadership.
- "of Achaia": The Roman province in Greece where Corinth was the capital.
and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.)
- "and that they have addicted themselves": From Greek tasso (τάσσω), meaning to arrange, appoint, or dedicate. The King James rendering "addicted themselves" conveys a strong sense of devotion and consistent commitment to a task. It implies voluntary and purposeful dedication.
- "to the ministry": diakonia (διακονία), the service or work of serving, often in practical or caring ways. It highlights their active involvement in supporting and caring for others, specifically the saints.
- "of the saints": Refers to all believers, but here likely specifically to the needy saints, referencing the collection for Jerusalem mentioned earlier in the chapter.
1 Corinthians 16 15 Bonus Section
The concept of "firstfruits" (aparchē) is significant throughout Scripture. In the Old Testament, the firstfruits were offerings to God from the harvest, acknowledging His provision and dedicating the remainder. This foreshadowed Christ as the firstfruits of the resurrection (1 Cor 15:20, 23). By calling Stephanas' household "firstfruits of Achaia," Paul not only marks their early conversion but also signifies their consecrated status and pioneering role in the spread of the Gospel in that region. Their dedication to the "ministry of the saints" points to a spirit of selfless service and a practical demonstration of Christian love, aligning with Christ's own example and teachings on serving one another (Matt 20:28).
1 Corinthians 16 15 Commentary
Paul begins by addressing the Corinthians as "brethren," underscoring their familial bond in Christ. He then reminds them of the household of Stephanas, identifying them as "firstfruits of Achaia." This designation signifies their early conversion and commitment, likely placing them in a position of spiritual maturity and perhaps leadership within the Corinthian church. Paul emphasizes that this household "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints." The word "addicted" (Greek tasso) conveys a deep dedication and consecration to service. This highlights their active and willing involvement in caring for fellow believers, particularly those in need, as indicated by the reference to the collection for the saints. The verse collectively encourages the Corinthians to recognize and embrace those who have pioneered in faith and who consistently dedicate themselves to serving others within the church. It’s a call to honor committed service and leadership.