1 Corinthians 16:17

Context of 1 Corinthians 16:17

This verse comes towards the close of Paul's first letter to the Corinthian church, specifically within his final greetings and instructions. Chapter 16 shifts from theological exposition and correction to more practical matters concerning the collection for the saints, travel plans, and personal exhortations. Paul often sent trusted individuals to represent him or to bring news, and the arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus was clearly a source of great relief and joy to him. These men likely traveled from Corinth to Ephesus, where Paul was writing from, bringing with them news and possibly a letter from the Corinthian believers, which Paul would have responded to in this epistle. Their presence served as a vital link between the apostle and the often-troubled church in Corinth.

Key Themes and Messages

• The Value of Personal Presence and Fellowship: Paul's explicit statement, "I am glad of the coming," underscores the importance of face-to-face interaction and personal connections in ministry. Despite the challenges he faced with the Corinthians, the presence of these brethren brought him encouragement and a sense of continuity.
• Supplying What Was Lacking: The core message is that these three men "supplied that which was lacking" from the Corinthian church's side. This "lacking" (Greek: hysterēma, meaning a deficiency or want) could refer to several things:
  • Information: They likely brought Paul up-to-date on the church's affairs, allowing him to address specific issues in his letter.
  • Representation: They served as personal representatives of the Corinthian church, bridging the geographical and relational distance.
  • Practical Support/Encouragement: They may have provided material assistance or simply much-needed companionship and encouragement to Paul, who often faced significant hardship and isolation in his ministry (compare with Paul's comfort from Titus in 2 Corinthians 7:6).
• Mutual Ministry and Support: This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of Christian ministry. Just as Paul ministered to the Corinthians through his letters and teachings, individuals from the Corinthian church ministered to Paul by their presence and practical help. This exemplifies the principle of the body of Christ, where each part contributes to the well-being of the whole (see 1 Corinthians 12:27).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "that which was lacking on your part they have supplied" uses the Greek word hysterēma (ὑστέρημα) for "lacking" or "deficiency," and aneplērōsan (ἀνεπλήρωσαν) for "supplied" or "filled up." Hysterēma can imply a deficit or something missing, suggesting that the Corinthians, by their absence, were unable to provide certain things to Paul. The verb aneplērōsan signifies that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus effectively "filled up" or "made complete" what was missing. This isn't just about help, but about making whole something that was incomplete, underscoring the significant contribution these men made to Paul's well-being and ministry.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the profound impact individuals can have in supporting leaders and fellow believers within the church. It teaches us:

1. The Importance of Presence: In an increasingly digital world, the value of physical presence, personal visits, and direct communication remains paramount in building strong relationships and fostering genuine fellowship within the Christian community.
2. Meeting Needs: We are called to be attentive to the needs of others, whether they are spiritual, emotional, or practical. Just as Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus "supplied what was lacking," we too can seek opportunities to encourage, assist, and represent our brothers and sisters in Christ.
3. Mutual Encouragement: Ministry is not a one-way street. Leaders need encouragement and support from those they serve, and all believers are part of a body designed for mutual edification.