(The Lord speaking is red text)
For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
They have refreshed my spirit, just as they have yours. I want you to show appreciation for people like these.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
For{G1063} they have refreshed{G373} my{G1699} spirit{G4151} and{G2532} yours{G5216}: therefore{G3767} acknowledge ye{G1921} them that are such{G5108}.
1 Corinthians 16:18 is a verse from the apostle Paul's first letter to the church in Corinth. In this verse, Paul is commending certain individuals who have been a source of encouragement and support to him and to the broader Christian community. The text reflects the theme of mutual encouragement and recognition among believers, which is a recurring motif in Paul's writings.
The historical context of this verse is set within the early Christian community's struggles and the challenges they faced in maintaining unity and fellowship. Paul's letters often addressed specific issues within the churches he founded, and in 1 Corinthians, he tackles topics such as divisions, moral laxity, and doctrinal misunderstandings.
In 1 Corinthians 16:18, Paul specifically mentions that these individuals have "refreshed [his] spirit and yours," indicating that their positive influence extended beyond just himself to the Corinthian Christians as well. The act of refreshing someone's spirit in this context likely refers to providing emotional support, practical help, and perhaps even financial assistance, which were vital for the early Christians as they navigated persecution and the demands of spreading the Gospel.
Paul's call to "acknowledge ye them that are such" is an encouragement for the Corinthians to recognize and appreciate those who serve faithfully and contribute to the well-being of the community. This acknowledgment is not only a matter of gratitude but also an affirmation of the interdependent nature of the church, where every member's contribution is valuable and should be honored.
In summary, 1 Corinthians 16:18 highlights the importance of community support, mutual encouragement, and the recognition of those who serve selflessly within the church. Paul's words underscore the value of acknowledging and appreciating the contributions of individuals who help to sustain and refresh the spirits of others in the Christian fellowship.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)