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,)

KJV (with Strong's)

{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},)

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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,

American Standard Version

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),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Corinthians 16:15, the Apostle Paul commends the household of Stephanas, highlighting their significant role and exemplary devotion within the early Christian community in Achaia, the Roman province encompassing Corinth. Paul identifies them as the "firstfruits" of the region, signifying their early conversion and foundational influence, and praises their voluntary and profound commitment to the practical "ministry of the saints," setting them forth as a model of selfless service and spiritual leadership for the Corinthian believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the concluding section of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, a letter addressing numerous issues of doctrine, ethics, and church order within the Corinthian community. Chapter 16 specifically deals with practical matters such as the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, Paul's travel plans, and various personal greetings and exhortations. Verse 15 introduces the household of Stephanas as a specific example of faithful service, immediately preceding Paul's direct instruction in [1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Submission to Leaders") for the Corinthians to submit to such devoted individuals and those who labor with them. This commendation serves to reinforce Paul's broader appeals for unity, order, and mutual service throughout the letter, culminating in his final charge to "be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" ([1 Corinthians 16:13](/1_corinthians/16-13 "1 Corinthians 16:13 - Paul's Final Exhortations")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Achaia was a Roman senatorial province in Greece, with Corinth as its capital. As a bustling port city, Corinth was a melting pot of cultures, philosophies, and religions, making the establishment of a Christian community particularly challenging yet significant. The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchē_) in this context refers to the very first converts in a region, carrying connotations of a foundational and pioneering role, much like the first portion of a harvest offered to God. Such individuals or households often became pillars of the early church, providing leadership, hospitality, and resources. Their "addiction" (a KJV translation of a Greek word implying voluntary devotion) to the "ministry of the saints" would have involved practical acts of service, such as providing lodging for traveling missionaries, caring for the sick and poor, and facilitating gatherings of believers, which were crucial in a time when the church lacked formal structures and public buildings. This communal support was vital for the nascent Christian movement, reflecting the early church's commitment to mutual care as seen in [Acts 2:44-45](/acts/2-44-45 "Acts 2:44-45 - The Early Believers' Fellowship").
* **Key Themes:** The verse significantly contributes to several key themes within 1 Corinthians and the broader New Testament. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Service and Ministry** (_diakonia_), emphasizing that genuine faith is expressed through active, selfless devotion to others within the community. Stephanas's household exemplifies the kind of practical love and sacrificial giving that Paul consistently advocates. Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Exemplary Leadership and Influence** in the early church, where those who were first to embrace the faith often took on informal yet vital roles in nurturing and guiding new believers. Their status as "firstfruits" implies not just chronological priority but also spiritual maturity and foundational importance. Finally, the passage subtly touches on the theme of **Mutual Submission and Recognition**, as Paul encourages the Corinthians to acknowledge and respect those who have so wholeheartedly given themselves to the work of the Lord, reinforcing the call for unity and order within the body of Christ that runs throughout [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "The First Letter to the Corinthians").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **firstfruits (Greek, _aparchḗ_):** This term literally refers to the initial portion of a harvest offered to God as a token of the entire crop. Figuratively, as used here, it signifies the very first converts in a particular region. It implies not only chronological priority but also a sense of being consecrated to God and serving as a representative sample of the larger group that would follow. The household of Stephanas, being the "firstfruits of Achaia," were pioneers of the Christian faith in that province, suggesting their foundational importance and spiritual maturity.
* **addicted (Greek, _tássō_):** The KJV translation "addicted" can be misleading in modern English, as it often carries a negative connotation of involuntary compulsion. However, in the original Greek, _tássō_ (or its perfect passive form, as used here) means "to arrange in an orderly manner," "to appoint," "to set," or "to devote oneself." It conveys a strong, deliberate, and voluntary commitment or assignment. Thus, Stephanas's household did not compulsively serve, but rather intentionally and resolutely "devoted themselves" or "set themselves" to the ministry. This emphasizes their willing and purposeful dedication.
* **ministry (Greek, _diakonía_):** This word denotes "service," "attendance," or "administration." In the context of the early church, _diakonía_ encompassed a wide range of practical and spiritual services, including providing hospitality, caring for the poor and sick, teaching, and generally serving the needs of the community. It is the root of our word "deacon" and signifies humble, self-sacrificial service, often involving practical aid and support for others, especially "the saints" (fellow believers).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I beseech you, brethren,"**: Paul opens this section with a direct appeal to the Corinthian believers, using a term of endearment ("brethren") to underscore the familial bond and the earnestness of his exhortation. The verb "beseech" (Greek, _parakaléō_) implies a strong appeal, an earnest request, or even an exhortation, setting a tone of pastoral urgency and affection.
* **"(ye know the house of Stephanas,"**: Paul refers to a household well-known to the Corinthians, indicating their prominence and established presence within the community. The "house" (Greek, _oikía_) refers not just to a physical dwelling but to the entire household, including family members, servants, and possibly dependents, suggesting a collective and unified commitment to their faith and service.
* **"that it is the firstfruits of Achaia,"**: This clause defines the unique status of Stephanas's household. Being the "firstfruits" (Greek, _aparchḗ_) means they were among the very first converts to Christianity in the entire Roman province of Achaia. This designation implies their pioneering role, spiritual maturity, and perhaps even a foundational influence in establishing the church in that region.
* **"and [that] they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)"**: This final clause describes the defining characteristic of Stephanas's household: their profound and voluntary dedication to service. The phrase "addicted themselves" (Greek, _tássō_ in the perfect passive, indicating a settled state of self-assignment) highlights their intentional and ongoing commitment. Their service was directed "to the ministry" (Greek, _eis diakonía_) which refers to practical, humble service, specifically "of the saints" (Greek, _tōn hagiōn_), meaning their fellow believers. This points to their active role in meeting the needs of the Christian community through acts of hospitality, support, and practical care.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs **Commendation** and **Exemplum** (setting an example) in this verse. By explicitly naming and praising the household of Stephanas, Paul uses them as a positive model for the entire Corinthian church. The description of them as "the firstfruits of Achaia" and those who have "addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints" serves as a powerful **Ethos** appeal, lending credibility and moral weight to Paul's subsequent exhortation for the Corinthians to submit to such individuals ([1 Corinthians 16:16](/1_corinthians/16-16 "1 Corinthians 16:16 - Submission to Leaders")). The vivid language of "addicted themselves" (though an archaic translation) also functions as a form of **Hyperbole** in its original intent, emphasizing the extraordinary and wholehearted nature of their voluntary devotion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The dedication of Stephanas's household to the "ministry of the saints" embodies a core New Testament theological principle: that genuine faith is active and expressed through selfless service to others within the community of believers. This is not merely an optional activity but a fundamental outworking of Christian love and a reflection of Christ's own servanthood. Their status as "firstfruits" also connects to the broader theme of God's initiative in salvation, where He calls and sets apart individuals to be the initial bearers of His truth, laying foundations for the growth of His kingdom. Their example serves as a timeless reminder that spiritual maturity is often evidenced by a willing commitment to practical service, contributing to the health and vitality of the church body.

* [Romans 12:7](/romans/12-7 "Romans 12:7 - Gifts of Service")
* [Galatians 5:13](/galatians/5-13 "Galatians 5:13 - Serve One Another in Love")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Remembers Your Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The household of Stephanas stands as a profound challenge and inspiration for believers today. Their voluntary and wholehearted devotion to the "ministry of the saints" reminds us that Christian service is not a burden or a mere obligation, but a joyful, intentional, and self-given response to God's grace. In a world often characterized by self-interest and consumerism, their example calls us to examine our own level of commitment to the local church and the broader body of Christ. Are we merely attendees, or are we active participants, eagerly seeking opportunities to serve, support, and uplift our fellow believers? Their "firstfruits" status also encourages us to consider the impact of our initial steps of faith and how our early devotion can set a powerful precedent for others and lay a strong foundation for spiritual growth within our communities. True spiritual leadership, as exemplified by Stephanas, often emerges not from a desire for position, but from a deep-seated commitment to humble, practical service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways can I "addict myself" (devote myself) to the ministry of the saints in my own local church or community?**
* **How does the example of Stephanas's household challenge my current understanding or practice of Christian service?**
* **What does it mean for me to be "firstfruits" in my sphere of influence, pioneering faith and service in new ways?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm those in my community who quietly and consistently devote themselves to serving others?**

### FAQ
**What does Paul mean by "firstfruits of Achaia" in this verse?**

Answer: When Paul refers to the household of Stephanas as the "firstfruits of Achaia," he means they were among the very first individuals or families to embrace Christianity in that Roman province, which included the city of Corinth. The term "firstfruits" (Greek: _aparchḗ_) is an agricultural metaphor, referring to the initial, best portion of a harvest offered to God. In a spiritual sense, it signifies that Stephanas and his household were pioneers of the faith in that region. This designation implies their early conversion, their foundational role in establishing the church there, and often suggests a level of spiritual maturity and influence within the nascent Christian community. It's a commendation that highlights their significance as early, exemplary believers, much like Epaenetus, who is called the "firstfruits of Asia for Christ" in [Romans 16:5](/romans/16-5 "Romans 16:5 - Epaenetus, Firstfruits of Asia").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exemplary devotion of Stephanas's household to the "ministry of the saints" finds its ultimate fulfillment and perfect embodiment in Jesus Christ Himself. Christ is the quintessential Servant, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). His entire earthly life was a profound _diakonía_, a selfless ministry to humanity, culminating in His sacrificial death on the cross. Furthermore, Christ is the true "firstfruits" – not merely of a region's converts, but of the resurrection itself, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). His resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of all who believe in Him. Thus, Stephanas's household, by their willing and "addicted" service to others, beautifully reflects the very heart of Christ's mission and character. Their call to ministry becomes a pattern for all believers, who are likewise called to follow in the footsteps of their Lord, serving one another in love as an overflow of the grace they have received from the ultimate Servant, Jesus Christ ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.