1 Corinthians 16 17

1 Corinthians 16:17 kjv

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

1 Corinthians 16:17 nkjv

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

1 Corinthians 16:17 niv

I was glad when Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.

1 Corinthians 16:17 esv

I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence,

1 Corinthians 16:17 nlt

I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren't here to give me.

1 Corinthians 16 verses

1 Corinthians 16 17 meaning

The Apostle Paul expresses profound joy at the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, key individuals from the Corinthian church. Their coming brought comfort and reassurance to Paul by filling a gap in communication and representation that he felt from the Corinthian believers, effectively supplying what was needed and absent from their end.

1 Corinthians 16 17 Context

This verse appears in the final chapter of Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians. Following extensive instructions and rebukes regarding various issues within the Corinthian church (divisions, immorality, lawsuits, idolatry, spiritual gifts, resurrection), chapter 16 shifts to more practical matters. Paul discusses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, his travel plans, exhortations for steadfastness, and concludes with greetings and personal commendations. The commendation of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and their importance to Paul, serves as an example of faithful service and a practical demonstration of genuine concern within the wider Christian community. It also implicitly highlights the turbulent and often challenging relationship Paul had with the Corinthian church, making the arrival of these loyal individuals all the more welcome and significant.

1 Corinthians 16 17 Word analysis

• I rejoice (Χαίρω - Chairō): A Greek verb expressing gladness, delight, and a state of well-being. Paul often used this term, signifying deep, Spirit-filled joy rather than superficial happiness. His rejoicing here is personal and genuine, indicating relief and satisfaction at the positive interaction and news brought by these men amidst the broader struggles with the Corinthian church.
• at the coming (τὴν παρουσίαν - tēn parousían): The noun refers to presence or arrival. In this context, it signifies not just their physical arrival but the impactful reality of their being with Paul. The word parousia often denotes an important advent or presence, suggesting their arrival was a significant event for Paul, representing a vital connection with Corinth.
• of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus: Proper names of specific individuals.
  • Stephanas: Known as the "firstfruits" (first convert) of Achaia (1 Cor 16:15) and part of the household Paul baptized (1 Cor 1:16). His presence signified mature faith and devoted service within the church.
  • Fortunatus: Latin name meaning "fortunate" or "blessed."
  • Achaicus: A Greek name indicating origin "from Achaia." These men were clearly influential and trusted members of the Corinthian community, representing its more faithful and loyal segment to Paul.
• because (ὅτι - hoti): A conjunction introducing the reason or cause for Paul's joy, providing direct insight into his feelings and the value of these men's visit.
• they have supplied (ἀνεπλήρωσαν - aneplyrōsan): An aorist active indicative form of anapleroo, meaning "to fill up," "to complete," or "to supply what is lacking." It denotes a decisive and complete action. They actively and fully remedied a deficiency, demonstrating their effective ministry to Paul.
• what was lacking (τὸ ὑμέτερον ὑστέρημα - to hyméteron hysterēma): Literally, "the yourselves' lack" or "your deficiency." The noun hysterēma refers to a deficiency, want, or absence. This was not necessarily a blame of negligence but referred to the unmet need for communication, direct representation, or spiritual encouragement that these faithful delegates now fulfilled. It highlights the absence of certain support or connection from the larger Corinthian assembly.
• on your part: Emphasizes that the "lacking" pertained to the Corinthians, but was supplied by their representatives. The action of these three men stood in place of what was absent from the collective Corinthian interaction with Paul.

• Words-group: "I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus": This phrase conveys Paul's deep emotional connection with his spiritual children and co-laborers. His joy isn't superficial; it stems from relief and affirmation that even in a challenging church like Corinth, faithful and supportive individuals emerged, bringing comfort and renewing direct ties. This highlights the relational and personal nature of apostolic ministry.
• Words-group: "because they have supplied what was lacking on your part": This group explains why Paul rejoiced. It underscores the practical and spiritual benefit derived from their visit. These men acted as crucial intermediaries, bringing updates, perhaps specific gifts, and certainly spiritual solace, thereby "completing" or "making good on" what the main body of the Corinthian church had implicitly or explicitly failed to provide in terms of direct contact and representation with their founding apostle. It speaks to a relational gap now filled.

1 Corinthians 16 17 Bonus section

Paul's reliance on individuals like Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus illustrates the operational necessity of personal delegates in the early church, long before instantaneous communication. These individuals served as vital lifelines for Paul, providing not only logistical support and updates but also emotional and spiritual sustenance. The verse also implies Paul's often-isolated position, where trusted face-to-face reports from co-laborers brought immense relief and allowed for more informed pastoral responses to complex church issues. It subtly highlights that while Paul could communicate through letters, the direct, personal "parousia" (presence) of faithful saints was indispensable for truly bridging the geographical and relational distance in ministry.

1 Corinthians 16 17 Commentary

In 1 Corinthians 16:17, Paul's declaration of joy upon the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus encapsulates a crucial aspect of his apostolic ministry: the deep personal connection with believers and reliance on trusted emissaries. His "rejoicing" underscores not merely politeness but profound comfort derived from their presence. These men were not just messengers; they represented the faithful core within a fractious church. The phrase "they have supplied what was lacking on your part" indicates a significant void in communication, information, or perhaps personal support from the Corinthians to Paul, which these three diligently filled. Their visit brought firsthand accounts of the church, potentially delivered gifts, and undoubtedly conveyed the spiritual fidelity of some, effectively strengthening the crucial bond between Paul and a struggling community. Their service exemplifies committed partnership in the Gospel, turning Paul's potential anxiety into joy through their faithful presence.