1 Corinthians 16:15

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,)

{G1161} I beseech {G3870} you {G5209}, brethren {G80},(ye know {G1492} the house {G3614} of Stephanas {G4734}, that {G3754} it is {G2076} the firstfruits {G536} of Achaia {G882}, and {G2532} that they have addicted {G5021} themselves {G1438} to {G1519} the ministry {G1248} of the saints {G40},)

Now, brothers, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first people in Achaia to put their trust in the Messiah, and they have devoted themselves to serving God’s people.

You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,

Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints),

Context

In 1 Corinthians 16, the Apostle Paul concludes his letter to the church in Corinth with various instructions, greetings, and exhortations. Verse 15 introduces the household of Stephanas, a group well-known to the Corinthians, highlighting their pivotal role and exemplary devotion within the early Christian community in Achaia, the Roman province where Corinth was located. This verse serves as a commendation and an example of faithful service, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent appeal for the Corinthians to submit to such leaders.

Key Themes

  • Early Converts and Leadership: The phrase "firstfruits of Achaia" signifies that Stephanas and his household were among the very first people to embrace Christianity in that region. This status often implied a foundational role and spiritual maturity, making them natural leaders and examples for newer believers. Paul often recognized the importance of those who were early to faith.
  • Devotion to Service: The KJV's "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" powerfully conveys their profound and voluntary commitment. This wasn't a casual involvement but a deep, intentional dedication to serving other believers, often involving acts of hospitality, practical aid, and spiritual support. This spirit of service is foundational to Christian community, as seen in passages encouraging believers to serve one another through love.
  • Exemplary Conduct: Paul holds up Stephanas's household as a model of Christian living and active participation in the church. Their dedication to the "ministry of the saints" (diakonia tōn hagiōn) illustrates what it means to live out faith through practical service to fellow believers.

Linguistic Insight

The phrase "addicted themselves" translates the Greek verb tasso (or a related form), which means "to set oneself," "to appoint oneself," or "to devote oneself." In modern English, "addicted" often carries a negative connotation of compulsion or unhealthy dependency. However, in the KJV's time and in the original Greek context, it simply meant a strong, voluntary, and earnest dedication or commitment. Stephanas's household willingly and wholeheartedly devoted themselves to serving the Christian community, particularly in acts of hospitality and practical assistance, as highlighted in Hebrews 6:10.

Practical Application

The example of Stephanas's household challenges believers today to consider their own level of commitment to the church and to serving others. Their spontaneous and wholehearted devotion to the "ministry of the saints" reminds us that Christian service is not merely an obligation but a voluntary giving of oneself for the good of the community. It encourages us to identify needs within our local church and broader community and to commit ourselves earnestly to meeting them, reflecting a genuine love for God and for fellow believers.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 1 Corinthians 1:16

    And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.

  • Romans 16:5

    Likewise [greet] the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and [take upon us] the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

  • 1 Peter 4:10

    As every man hath received the gift, [even so] minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

  • Romans 15:25

    But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.

  • Romans 12:13

    Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

  • Romans 16:2

    That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.

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