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.

KJV (with Strong's)

{G1161} I am glad {G5463} of {G1909} the coming {G3952} of Stephanas {G4734} and {G2532} Fortunatus {G5415} and {G2532} Achaicus {G883}: for that {G3754} which was lacking {G5303} on your part {G5216} they {G3778} have supplied {G378}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I am glad that Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus are here, because they have helped make up for your not being here.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
The Apostle Paul expresses profound joy and relief at the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus from Corinth. Their presence was a significant encouragement to him, as they effectively "supplied" or "filled up" a deficiency that existed from the Corinthian church's side, likely providing much-needed information, practical support, and personal fellowship to Paul during his ministry in Ephesus.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated at the very end of Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians, specifically within his closing remarks and personal greetings in [1 Corinthians 16](/1_corinthians/16 "1 Corinthians 16 - Paul's Final Instructions and Greetings"). Having addressed numerous theological and practical issues throughout the letter—from divisions and immorality to spiritual gifts and the resurrection—Paul transitions to more personal matters. He discusses the collection for the saints in Jerusalem ([1 Corinthians 16:1-4](/1_corinthians/16-1-4 "1 Corinthians 16:1-4 - The Collection for the Saints")), outlines his future travel plans ([1 Corinthians 16:5-9](/1_corinthians/16-5-9 "1 Corinthians 16:5-9 - Paul's Travel Plans")), and offers various exhortations and greetings ([1 Corinthians 16:10-24](/1_corinthians/16-10-24 "1 Corinthians 16:10-24 - Exhortations and Greetings")). The arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus is mentioned as a personal note of encouragement, underscoring the importance of personal connection and mutual support within the early Christian community, even amidst the challenges Paul faced with the Corinthian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul was likely writing this letter from Ephesus, a major Roman city in Asia Minor, during his third missionary journey (circa A.D. 55-56). Communication between churches and apostles in the ancient world relied heavily on trusted individuals who would travel, carry letters, and deliver verbal reports. The Corinthian church, founded by Paul, was a vibrant but problematic community, plagued by internal strife, moral issues, and doctrinal misunderstandings. It is highly probable that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were delegates sent by the Corinthian church to Paul, perhaps carrying a letter from them (see [1 Corinthians 7:1](/1_corinthians/7-1 "1 Corinthians 7:1 - Concerning the Things Whereof Ye Wrote Unto Me")), or bringing news of the church's condition. Their journey from Corinth (in Greece) to Ephesus (in modern-day Turkey) would have been significant, involving sea travel and considerable time. Their presence would have provided Paul with firsthand accounts, allowing him to address the specific issues detailed in his letter with greater accuracy and pastoral insight.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes in [1 Corinthians](/1_corinthians/1 "1 Corinthians - Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians"). Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Mutual Support**. Despite the many criticisms Paul leveled against the Corinthians, the presence of these men from their church demonstrates a continuing bond and the practical outworking of love and concern within the body of Christ. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Personal Presence in Ministry**. Paul, though often writing letters, deeply valued face-to-face interaction, which brought him joy and enabled more effective communication and pastoral care. This is evident in his desire to visit them personally ([1 Corinthians 16:5-7](/1_corinthians/16-5-7 "1 Corinthians 16:5-7 - Paul's Plans to Visit Corinth")). Lastly, the concept of "supplying what was lacking" speaks to the theme of **Addressing Deficiencies and Completing Ministry**. Whether it was information, encouragement, or practical assistance, these men filled a void, illustrating how different members of the church contribute to the wholeness and effectiveness of gospel ministry, a concept Paul elaborates on extensively in [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **glad (Greek, _chaírō'_):** This primary verb means "to be cheerful," "calmly happy," or "well-off." It expresses a deep sense of joy and contentment. Paul's use of this word indicates that the arrival of these men was not merely convenient but brought genuine emotional and spiritual solace, alleviating burdens or anxieties he may have been carrying concerning the Corinthian church.
* **lacking (Greek, _hystérēma'_):** Derived from a verb meaning "to be behind" or "to come short," this noun signifies a "deficit," "deficiency," "want," or "poverty." It implies something incomplete or missing. In this context, it refers to a void or need on the part of the Corinthians that Paul felt, which these men were able to address through their presence and service. It could relate to information, representation, or even personal encouragement that the distant church could not otherwise provide.
* **supplied (Greek, _anaplēróō'_):** This compound verb combines _aná_ (up, again) and _plēróō_ (to fill, complete). It means "to complete," "to fill up," "to occupy," or "to supply." The word suggests making whole what was incomplete or filling a void. It conveys the idea that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus did not just help, but they brought to completion something that was deficient, effectively making up for the absence or inability of the broader Corinthian church to be present with Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus":** Paul begins by expressing his personal joy and satisfaction. The "coming" (Greek: _parousía_) implies not just their arrival but their presence. This indicates the profound value Paul placed on personal fellowship and the encouragement he received from these specific individuals. Their names, Stephanas (likely the first convert in Achaia, [1 Corinthians 16:15](/1_corinthians/16-15 "1 Corinthians 16:15 - The Household of Stephanas")), Fortunatus, and Achaicus, suggest they were well-known and respected members of the Corinthian community, likely serving as official representatives.
* **"for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied":** This clause provides the reason for Paul's gladness. The phrase "that which was lacking on your part" refers to a deficiency or absence from the Corinthian church itself. This "lacking" was not a moral failing but an inherent limitation due to distance and the inability of the entire church to be physically present with Paul. These three men "supplied" or "filled up" this deficit. This could mean they brought Paul up-to-date information about the church's condition, served as a personal link between Paul and the distant community, or provided Paul with much-needed personal encouragement and practical assistance during his demanding ministry in Ephesus. Their presence was a tangible expression of the Corinthian church's care and connection, making up for the void created by the church's physical absence.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's expression in [1 Corinthians 16:17](/1_corinthians/16-17 "1 Corinthians 16:17 - Paul's Joy in His Companions") primarily employs a **Personal Tone**, characteristic of his closing remarks in many epistles. This direct, heartfelt declaration of gladness ("I am glad") reveals Paul's emotional investment in the churches he served and his reliance on personal relationships for support in ministry. The phrase "that which was lacking on your part they have supplied" can be seen as a subtle **Metaphor** or **Metonymy**. "That which was lacking on your part" refers not to a literal missing object, but to the absence of the collective Corinthian church's presence, support, and direct communication. The men "supplied" this lack, acting as a living embodiment of the church's concern and providing what was otherwise impossible to convey through mere letters. This effectively uses the part (the three men) to represent the whole (the Corinthian church's care), and the action of "supplying" vividly conveys the idea of filling an emotional or informational void.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse beautifully illustrates the essential nature of mutual ministry and the interconnectedness of the body of Christ. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and profound spiritual gifts, was not self-sufficient. He relied on the practical support, fellowship, and communication provided by fellow believers. The "lack" from the Corinthians' side was not a flaw, but a natural consequence of physical distance, and the "supply" by Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus highlights how God uses individuals to meet the needs of others within the community of faith. This reciprocal relationship—where those ministered to also minister to the minister—is a vital aspect of healthy church life, demonstrating that every member has a role in building up the whole, providing encouragement, and facilitating the work of the gospel.

* [2 Corinthians 7:6](/2_corinthians/7-6 "2 Corinthians 7:6 - God Comforts Paul Through Titus")
* [Philippians 4:18](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - Paul's Gratitude for the Philippians' Gift")
* [Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Romans 1:11-12 - Mutual Encouragement in Faith")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
In an age increasingly characterized by digital communication and remote interaction, Paul's joy at the physical "coming" of these men serves as a powerful reminder of the irreplaceable value of personal presence and genuine fellowship within the Christian community. It challenges us to consider how we might "supply what is lacking" for those in ministry, for fellow believers, and for our local church. This could involve offering practical help, providing a listening ear, sharing encouraging words, or simply being a faithful, present member of the body. Our presence, our prayers, and our practical support can fill voids, alleviate burdens, and bring profound joy and strength to others, just as Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus did for Paul. This verse calls us to active, empathetic participation in the lives of our spiritual family, recognizing that ministry is a shared endeavor where every contribution, however seemingly small, can make a significant difference.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I be able to "supply what is lacking" for my church leaders or fellow believers today?**
* **How does Paul's emphasis on personal presence challenge my own reliance on digital communication for spiritual connection?**
* **What specific actions can I take to foster deeper, more supportive relationships within my Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Who were Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, and why were they significant?**

Answer: Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were three men from the Corinthian church who traveled to meet Paul, likely in Ephesus. Stephanas is explicitly identified earlier in the letter as one of the very first converts in Achaia and a member of a household devoted to the ministry of the saints ([1 Corinthians 16:15](/1_corinthians/16-15 "1 Corinthians 16:15 - The Household of Stephanas")). While Fortunatus and Achaicus are not given similar background, their inclusion alongside Stephanas suggests they were trusted and respected members of the Corinthian community, possibly serving as official delegates sent to Paul. Their significance lies in their role as vital links between Paul and the distant, often troubled, Corinthian church, bringing news, providing encouragement, and representing the believers there.

**What does Paul mean by "that which was lacking on your part they have supplied"?**

Answer: Paul's statement "that which was lacking on your part they have supplied" refers to a deficiency or void that existed due to the physical distance between Paul and the Corinthian church. It was not a moral failing on the Corinthians' part, but simply the inability of the entire church to be present with Paul. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus "supplied" this lack by providing several crucial things: they likely brought Paul up-to-date information about the church's condition, allowing him to address specific issues in his letter; they served as personal representatives of the Corinthian believers, bridging the geographical and relational gap; and they provided Paul with much-needed personal fellowship, encouragement, and perhaps practical assistance during his demanding ministry. Their presence filled a significant void for Paul, bringing him joy and strengthening his connection to the church.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [1 Corinthians 16:17](/1_corinthians/16-17 "1 Corinthians 16:17 - Paul's Joy in His Companions") describes a practical act of human service, it resonates with the ultimate "supply" and "fulfillment" found in Jesus Christ. The concept of "that which was lacking" finds its profoundest answer in Christ, who perfectly supplied all that humanity lacked due to sin. He is the one who "fills all in all" ([Ephesians 1:23](/ephesians/1-23 "Ephesians 1:23 - The Church, the Fullness of Christ")), completing what was deficient in our relationship with God and providing everything necessary for life and godliness ([2 Peter 1:3](/2_peter/1-3 "2 Peter 1:3 - God's Divine Power and Promises")). Furthermore, as the Head of the Church, Christ uses His body, believers, to continue His work of "supplying" and building up. Just as Paul found joy and strength in the presence of these brothers, so Christ is glorified as His people sacrificially serve one another, filling needs and extending His love and truth in the world. In a mysterious way, believers are called to "fill up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions" for the sake of His body ([Colossians 1:24](/colossians/1-24 "Colossians 1:24 - Paul's Suffering for the Church")), not by adding to His perfect atoning work, but by participating in the ongoing spread of His kingdom and enduring hardship for the gospel's sake, thereby making His presence and provision known to a world in desperate need.

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

Philippians 2:30

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

2 Corinthians 11:9

And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all [things] I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and [so] will I keep [myself].

Philemon 1:13

Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel: