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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 1 Corinthians 16:13–18. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
In this passage the apostle gives,
I.Some general advices; as,
1.That they should watch (Co1 16:13), be wakeful and upon their guard. A Christian is always in danger, and therefore should ever be on the watch; but the danger is greater at some times and under some circumstances. The Corinthians were in manifest danger upon many accounts: their feuds ran high, the irregularities among them were very great, there were deceivers got among them, who endeavoured to corrupt their faith in the most important articles, those without which the practice of virtue and piety could never subsist. And surely in such dangerous circumstances it was their concern to watch. Note, If a Christian would be secure, he must be on his guard; and the more his danger the greater vigilance is needful for his security.
2.He advises them to stand fast in the faith, to keep their ground, adhere to the revelation of God, and not give it up for the wisdom of the world, nor suffer it to be corrupted by it - stand for the faith of the gospel, and maintain it even to death; and stand in it, so as to abide in the profession of it, and feel and yield to its influence. Note, A Christian should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert nor renounce it. It is by this faith alone that he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation; it is by faith that we stand (Co2 1:24); it is by this that we must overcome the world (Jo1 5:4), both when it fawns and when it frowns, when it tempts and when it terrifies. We must stand therefore in the faith of the gospel, if we would maintain our integrity.
3.He advises them to act like men, and be strong: "Act the manly, firm, and resolved part: behave strenuously, in opposition to the bad men who would divide and corrupt you, those who would split you into factions or seduce you from the faith: be not terrified nor inveigled by them; but show yourselves men in Christ, by your steadiness, by your sound judgment and firm resolution." Note, Christians should be manly and firm in all their contests with their enemies, in defending their faith, and maintaining their integrity. They should, in an especial manner, be so in those points of faith that lie at the foundation of sound and practical religion, such as were attacked among the Corinthians: these must be maintained with solid judgment and strong resolution.
4.He advises them to do every thing in charity, Co1 16:14. Our zeal and constancy must be consistent with charity. When the apostle would have us play the man for our faith or religion, he puts in a caution against playing the devil for it. We may defend our faith, but we must, at the same time, maintain our innocence, and not devour and destroy, and think with ourselves that the wrath of man will work the righteousness of God, Jam 1:24. Note, Christians should be careful that charity not only reign in their hearts, but shine out in their lives, nay, in their most manly defences of the faith of the gospel. There is a great difference between constancy and cruelty, between Christian firmness and feverish wrath and transport. Christianity never appears to so much advantage as when the charity of Christians is most conspicuous when they can bear with their mistaken brethren, and oppose the open enemies of their holy faith in love, when every thing is done in charity, when they behave towards one another, and towards all men, with a spirit of meekness and good will.
II.Some particular directions how they should behave towards some that had been eminently serviceable to the cause of Christ among them.
1.He gives us their character (1.) The household of Stephanas is mentioned by him, and their character is, that they were the first-fruits of Achaia, the first converts to Christianity in that region of Greece in which Corinth was. Note, It is an honourable character to any man to be early a Christian, betimes in Christ. But they had moreover addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints, to serve the saints. They have disposed and devoted themselves - etaxan heautous, to serve the saints, to do service to the saints. It is not meant of the ministry of the word properly, but of serving them in other respects, supplying their wants, helping and assisting them upon all occasions, both in their temporal and spiritual concerns. The family of Stephanas seems to have been a family of rank and importance in those parts, and yet they willingly offered themselves to this service. Note, It is an honour to persons of the highest rank to devote themselves to the service of the saints. I do not mean to change ranks, and become proper servants to the inferiors, but freely and voluntarily to help them, and do good to them in all their concerns. (2.) He mentions Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus, as coming to him from the church of Corinth. The account he gives of them is that they supplied the deficiencies of the church towards him, and by so doing refreshed his spirit and theirs, Co1 16:17, Co1 16:18. They gave him a more perfect account of the state of the church by word of mouth than he could acquire by their letter, and by that means much quieted his mind, and upon their return from him would quiet the minds of the Corinthians. Report had made their cause much worse than it was in fact, and their letters had not explained it sufficiently to give the apostle satisfaction; but he had been made more easy by converse with them. It was a very good office they did, by truly stating facts, and removing the ill opinion Paul had received by common fame. They came to him with a truly Christian intention, to set the apostle right, and give him as favourable sentiments of the church as they could, as peace-makers. Note, It is a great refreshment to the spirit of a faithful minister to hear better of a people by wise and good men of their own body than by common report, to find himself misinformed concerning them, that matters are not so bad as they had been represented. It is a grief to him to hear ill of those he loves; it gladdens his heart to hear the report thereof is false. And the greater value he has for those who give him this information, and the more he can depend upon their veracity, the greater is his joy.
2.Upon this account of the men, he directs how they should behave towards them; and,
(1.)He would have them acknowledged (Co1 16:11), that is, owned and respected. They deserve it for their good offices. Those who serve the saints, those who consult the honour and good esteem of the churches, and are concerned to wipe off reproaches from them, and take off from the ill opinion fame had propagated, are to be valued, and esteemed, and loved. Those who discover so good a spirit cannot easily be over-valued.
(2.)He advises that they should submit themselves to such, and to all who helped with the apostles, and laboured, Co1 16:16. This is not to be understood of subjection to proper superiors, but of a voluntary acknowledgment of their worth. They were persons to whom they owed peculiar respect, and whom they should have in veneration. Note, It is a venerable character which those bear who serve the saints and labour hard to help the success of the gospel, who countenance and encourage the faithful ministers of Christ, and endeavour to promote their usefulness. Such should be had in honourable esteem.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
2 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
"That ye also be in subjection unto such, that is, "that ye take a share with them both in expenditure of money, and in personal service: that ye be partakers with them." For both to them the labor will be light when they have comrades, and the results of their active benevolence will extend to more.
And he said not merely, "be fellow-helpers," but added, "whatsoever directions they give, obey;" implying the strictest obedience. And that he might not appear to be favoring them, he adds, "and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth." "Let this," saith he, "be a general rule: for I do not speak about them individually, but if there be any one like them, let him also have the same advantages." And therefore when he begins to commend, he calls upon themselves as witnesses, saying, "I beseech you, ye know the house of Stephanas." "For ye also yourselves are aware," saith he, "how they labor, and have no need to learn from us."
Paul says this, because the people he is referring to dwell among the Corinthians, who can profit greatly from their presence.
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Summary
First Corinthians 16:16 serves as a concluding exhortation from the Apostle Paul to the Corinthian believers, urging them to recognize, respect, and align themselves with those who are diligently serving the church. It underscores the importance of honoring faithful laborers in the Lord, particularly those like the household of Stephanas, who have devoted themselves to the spiritual welfare of the community through tireless effort and cooperative ministry. This verse emphasizes the reciprocal relationship of support and mutual submission within the body of Christ, fostering unity and effectiveness in the work of the Gospel.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within the closing remarks of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically following his instructions regarding the collection for the saints in Jerusalem and his personal travel plans. Immediately preceding 1 Corinthians 16:16, Paul commends the household of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus in 1 Corinthians 16:15 for their devotion to the saints and for refreshing his spirit. Thus, "such" in verse 16 directly refers to these exemplary individuals and, by extension, to all who demonstrate similar dedication and sacrificial service within the Christian community. Paul's exhortation is a call for the Corinthians to reciprocate the spiritual refreshment and service they have received by submitting to and cooperating with these faithful workers.
Historical & Cultural Context
The church in Corinth was a vibrant but often contentious community, grappling with issues ranging from divisions and immorality to spiritual gifts and theological misunderstandings, as evidenced throughout 1 Corinthians. In this Hellenistic city, a culture of honor and shame was prevalent, and social hierarchies were deeply ingrained. Paul's call for "submission" (hypotássō) would have resonated with their understanding of social order, yet he redefines it within a Christian framework, emphasizing voluntary cooperation and respect for spiritual authority derived from faithful service, rather than worldly status or power. The "laboring" (kopiáō) mentioned reflects the often arduous and sacrificial nature of early Christian ministry, which frequently involved personal cost and tireless effort in a hostile environment.
Key Themes
1 Corinthians 16:16 contributes to several overarching themes in Paul's letter. Firstly, it reinforces the theme of unity and order in the church, a recurring concern throughout 1 Corinthians (e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:10). By advocating for submission to diligent servants, Paul promotes a harmonious and functional body where each member respects the contributions of others. Secondly, it highlights the importance of recognizing and honoring faithful service, particularly those who "devoted themselves to the service of the saints" (1 Corinthians 16:15). This theme of valuing spiritual labor is also seen in Paul's discussions on spiritual gifts and the various roles within the body of Christ (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12). Finally, the verse subtly touches upon the collaborative nature of ministry, emphasizing that the work of the Gospel is a shared endeavor requiring mutual support and partnership between leaders and congregants.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
From ὑπό (hypó, "under") and τάσσω (tássō, "to arrange, order"), meaning to subordinate, reflexively to obey, or to be subject to. In this context, it denotes a voluntary attitude of cooperation, respect, and support for those who are faithfully serving, rather than a forced or military-style submission. It implies aligning oneself with their efforts for the common good of the church.
From συνεργός (synergós, "fellow-worker"), meaning to be a fellow-worker or to cooperate. This word emphasizes the collaborative nature of Christian ministry, highlighting that these individuals are not merely leaders to be obeyed, but partners in the work of the Gospel. It speaks to mutual effort and shared purpose.
From a derivative of κόπος (kópos, "toil, trouble"), meaning to feel fatigue, and by implication, to work hard or exert oneself to the point of weariness. This term underscores the intensive, often physically and emotionally demanding, effort involved in serving the church and ministry, providing a strong rationale for why such individuals deserve honor, support, and cooperation.
Verse Breakdown
"That ye submit yourselves unto such"
This clause directly follows Paul's commendation of Stephanas' household, indicating that "such" refers to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and service to the saints. The exhortation to "submit yourselves" (hypotássō) is not about blind obedience to human authority, but a voluntary posture of cooperation, respect, and alignment with their spirit of service and leadership. It implies recognizing their God-given role and supporting their efforts for the church's well-being.
"and to every one that helpeth with [us]"
Paul broadens the scope beyond specific individuals to include "every one" who actively "helpeth with [us]," meaning those who are fellow-workers or co-laborers in the ministry. This emphasizes the inclusive nature of the call to respect and cooperate. It highlights the collaborative partnership essential for effective ministry, where all who contribute diligently are to be honored and supported.
"and laboureth"
This final phrase specifies the nature of the "help" and service being commended: it is characterized by hard work, toil, and exertion, often to the point of weariness (kopiáō). This reinforces the sacrificial and demanding nature of true spiritual service. It underscores that those who invest themselves so deeply and tirelessly in the Lord's work are worthy of the church's respect, support, and cooperative submission.
Literary Devices
Paul employs Exhortation throughout this verse, directly commanding the Corinthians to adopt a specific posture ("submit yourselves") towards diligent servants. The use of Commendation is implicit, as the instruction to submit to "such" and "every one that helpeth... and laboureth" inherently praises those who embody these qualities. The term "laboureth" (kopiáō) functions as a powerful Metonymy or Synecdoche, where the intense effort stands for the entire sacrificial and dedicated service of these individuals. This choice of word evokes empathy and appreciation for the arduous nature of their commitment.
Theological and Thematic Connections
First Corinthians 16:16 underscores a profound theological principle: the reciprocal nature of Christian community and the importance of honoring those who faithfully serve. It teaches that spiritual authority and influence are often earned through sacrificial labor and a genuine devotion to the saints, rather than through hierarchical position alone. The call to "submit yourselves" is not about blind obedience, but about a voluntary alignment with and support for those whose lives and work demonstrate true spiritual fruit and leadership. This fosters a healthy church environment where mutual respect, cooperation, and shared purpose empower the body of Christ to function effectively and fulfill its mission, reflecting God's order and love.
Reflection and Application
Paul's exhortation in 1 Corinthians 16:16 remains profoundly relevant for believers today. In an age that often celebrates individualism and questions authority, this verse calls us to cultivate a spirit of humility, cooperation, and appreciation within the Christian community. It challenges us to actively identify, honor, and support those who tirelessly dedicate themselves to the spiritual well-being of others, whether they are pastors, elders, deacons, ministry leaders, or faithful volunteers. This support can manifest in various ways: by actively participating in their initiatives, offering words of encouragement and affirmation, praying for their strength and wisdom, and refraining from unnecessary criticism or division. Embracing this principle fosters a healthy, unified church where the work of God flourishes, and where every member contributes to the common good, embodying the love and order that Christ desires for His body.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "submit yourselves" mean in this context, and is it a command for blind obedience?
In 1 Corinthians 16:16, the Greek word for "submit yourselves" (hypotássō) does not imply blind obedience or an authoritarian hierarchy. Rather, it denotes a voluntary attitude of cooperation, respect, and alignment with the efforts of those who are faithfully serving the church. As seen in Ephesians 5:21, Christians are called to "submit to one another out of reverence for Christ." Here, Paul is urging the Corinthians to recognize the genuine, sacrificial labor of individuals like Stephanas' household and to willingly support their God-given roles and initiatives for the spiritual health and growth of the community. It's about fostering unity and order through mutual respect and partnership in ministry.
Who are the "such" that Paul is referring to in this verse?
The "such" in 1 Corinthians 16:16 primarily refers to the household of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, whom Paul has just commended in 1 Corinthians 16:15 for their dedication to "the service of the saints" and for refreshing his spirit and that of the Corinthians. By extension, it refers to "every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth"—that is, all individuals within the Christian community who demonstrate similar faithful, diligent, and self-sacrificial commitment to serving the body of Christ. These are the ones whose efforts are worthy of recognition, respect, and cooperation from other believers.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
The call to "submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with [us], and laboureth" in 1 Corinthians 16:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and model in Christ Himself. Jesus, though God, did not cling to His divine prerogatives but "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" (Philippians 2:7). His entire earthly ministry was characterized by tireless labor and selfless service, culminating in His ultimate sacrifice on the cross (Mark 10:45). He is the supreme example of one who "laboured" to the point of exhaustion for the sake of His people, and who "helped with us" by bearing our sins and reconciling us to God. Furthermore, Christ's leadership was always one of humble service, urging His disciples to follow His example (John 13:14-15). Therefore, when believers submit to and honor those who faithfully serve and labor in the church, they are not merely respecting human effort, but are participating in and reflecting the very character and mission of Christ, who came not to be served, but to serve. This mutual submission and recognition of sacrificial service within the body of Christ is a tangible expression of our corporate devotion to the Lord who first served us.