1 Corinthians 16 15

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 verses

1 Corinthians 16 15 meaning

The Apostle Paul makes an earnest appeal to the Corinthian believers, reminding them of the exemplary and pioneering service of Stephanas' household. This family unit stands out as the very "firstfruits" (earliest converts) in the Roman province of Achaia, where Corinth was located. Furthermore, they distinguish themselves by voluntarily and sacrificially dedicating themselves to the practical service and care of fellow believers, demonstrating a model of faithful Christian commitment that Paul presents as worthy of recognition and submission.

1 Corinthians 16 15 Context

Chapter 16 serves as the concluding section of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, providing practical instructions, travel plans, and final exhortations. Preceding this verse, Paul addresses matters such as the collection for the saints in Jerusalem (v. 1-4) and his future visits (v. 5-9). Following verse 15, Paul explicitly states the purpose of commending Stephanas' household in verse 16: "that you also submit to such as these, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors." Thus, this verse acts as an introduction to Paul's instruction for the Corinthian believers to recognize and submit to the leadership of those, like Stephanas' household, who demonstrate genuine and selfless service to the community of faith. Historically, the province of Achaia was significant in early Christian evangelism, and those who first converted and devoted themselves laid foundational spiritual work amidst a challenging pagan environment.

1 Corinthians 16 15 Word analysis

• I urge you (παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, parakalō de hymas): Paul uses a strong, yet often affectionate, verb meaning "to call to one's side," "to beseech," "to exhort," or "to appeal." It indicates a plea stemming from genuine concern and spiritual authority, aiming to persuade the Corinthians towards a particular action or attitude. This is not a casual suggestion but a serious call.
• brethren (ἀδελφοί, adelphoi): A common and affectionate term of address Paul uses for fellow believers, emphasizing their spiritual family relationship and shared identity in Christ. It underscores the fraternal context of his appeal, rather than a strictly authoritative command.
• you know (οἴδατε, oidate): This indicates that Paul assumes the Corinthians are already aware of Stephanas' household and their reputation. This makes the following statements more impactful, as he appeals to their existing knowledge and experience, validating the household's character without needing to introduce them fully. It's not a question, but a statement of shared information.
• the household of Stephanas (τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ, tēn oikian Stephanā): Oikia refers to the entire household, encompassing the immediate family, servants, freedmen, and all who lived under their authority and care. This implies a collective belief and service from a family unit, a common feature in early church conversions (e.g., the households of Lydia, the Philippian jailer). Stephanas himself was one of the few individuals Paul personally baptized in Corinth (1 Cor 1:16).
• that it is the firstfruits (ὅτι ἐστὶν ἀπαρχὴ, hoti estin aparche): Aparche means "firstfruits," referring to the initial harvest, the first portion of crops or produce that was offered to God as sacred (e.g., Ex 23:19, Lev 2:14). Metaphorically, it designates the earliest converts in a region. This signifies not only their early conversion but also implies a pioneering role, special dedication, and perhaps a consecrated status to God, similar to the holy portion of a harvest. They likely represent a core, stable group of believers.
• of Achaia (τῆς Ἀχαΐας, tēs Achaias): A Roman senatorial province in Greece, including the city of Corinth. Identifying them as the first converts of Achaia highlights their broad significance beyond just Corinth and positions them as foundational figures for Christianity in the entire region.
• and that they have devoted themselves (καὶ ὅτι ἔταξαν ἑαυτούς, kai hoti etaxan heautous): This is a powerful phrase. Etaxan (from tassō) means "they arranged," "they ordered," or "they appointed." With the reflexive pronoun heautous ("themselves"), it means they voluntarily, intentionally, and resolutely ordered themselves or dedicated themselves. It conveys active, self-willed, and purposeful commitment, not a passive or obligatory action. They willingly committed their lives to service.
• to the ministry of the saints (εἰς διακονίαν τοῖς ἁγίοις, eis diakonian tois hagiois):
  • ministry (διακονίαν, diakonian): Denotes "service," "ministering," or practical "relief." This word is foundational for our understanding of Christian service, focusing on practical acts of support, care, and provision, rather than solely on teaching or spiritual leadership (though it often accompanies them).
  • of the saints (τοῖς ἁγίοις, tois hagiois): Refers to "the holy ones"—that is, all believers, consecrated and set apart by God. This indicates their service was directed towards fellow members of the body of Christ, providing practical help, hospitality, and support within the Christian community.

Words-group analysis

• "I urge you, brethren—you know": Paul crafts his appeal using an intimate address and a shared understanding, establishing a basis of mutual respect and informed expectation for his following commendation. He's leveraging their existing knowledge and brotherhood for impact.
• "the household of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia": This phrase highlights their singular importance. Being an entire household implies collective faith and commitment. Being firstfruits means they were pioneering, early, and foundational, carrying significant spiritual weight and responsibility in the nascent Christian community of the region.
• "and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints": This describes their character through their actions. Their intentional self-devotion demonstrates an active and unwavering commitment to serving the church, providing tangible support to other believers. It’s an ongoing, conscious, and sacrificial expression of their faith.

1 Corinthians 16 15 Bonus section

• The commendation of Stephanas' household directly serves the practical purpose of 1 Cor 16:16, where Paul explicitly calls for the Corinthian church to "submit" to such devoted individuals. This demonstrates that true Christian leadership and authority are recognized not by worldly status, but by sacrificial service and pioneering faithfulness.
• Stephanas, along with Fortunatus and Achaicus, are identified in the very next verses (1 Cor 16:17) as individuals who had traveled from Corinth to Paul, likely carrying the letter from the Corinthian church that prompted Paul's detailed response in 1 Corinthians. Their presence with Paul further exemplifies their commitment and active involvement in church matters.
• The emphasis on an entire "household" (oikos) highlights the integral role of family units in the early church's spread and support network. Conversion was often a family affair, creating a strong domestic base for the new faith.
• Being the "firstfruits" (ἀπαρχὴ, aparche) in a Roman province like Achaia indicates they were among the very first converts in a broad, influential region. This status inherently carried a weight of responsibility, implying they likely facilitated early evangelism and provided crucial support structures for subsequent believers.
• The nature of "ministry of the saints" (diakonia tois hagiois) was practical and tangible, ranging from opening homes for gatherings, offering financial assistance to those in need, caring for the sick and poor, and supporting itinerant evangelists. It was the backbone of early Christian communal life.

1 Corinthians 16 15 Commentary

1 Corinthians 16:15 stands as a pivotal commendation within Paul's letter, designed to highlight an exemplary model of Christian discipleship to the often-divided and misdirected Corinthian church. By presenting Stephanas' household, Paul underscores the values of pioneering faith, collective spiritual commitment, and sacrificial service. As "firstfruits of Achaia," they represented the initial spiritual harvest, signifying their foundational role and likely their sustained spiritual maturity. Their choice to "devote themselves" implies a deliberate and enduring commitment to practical diakonia—ministry to the saints. This was not a passive membership but an active investment of their lives, time, and resources in caring for fellow believers, which often involved hospitality, material aid, and sustained encouragement. Paul uses their selfless example to implicitly call the Corinthians to unity and genuine service, leading into his explicit instruction in the next verse for the Corinthians to submit to such dedicated individuals. Their character served as a strong contrast to the various internal strifes, self-centeredness, and moral issues Paul had been addressing, setting a clear standard for leadership and ministry in the nascent Christian community.