15Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the saints), 16that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.
Urgency—that could describe the tone of Paul’s writings. There was nothing casual about what he had to say. Already he had written, “I exhort you, be imitators of me” (1 Cor. 4:16, where the word for “urge” is translated “exhort” in the NASB). Now, the Corinthians are to “be in subjection” to people like Stephanas and others who labor in the service of the Lord and His people there in Corinth. They are to “acknowledge” such men, to recognize and honor them for their work. Paul was constantly “going to bat” for his fellow servants of the Lord. Of Epaphroditus, he wrote to the Philippians:
“Receive him then in the Lord with all joy, and hold men like him in high regard because he came close to death for the work of Christ, risking his life to complete what was deficient in your service to me.” (Phil. 2:29–30)
He penned to another church,
“[W]e request of you, brethren, that you appreciate those who diligently labor among you … and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work.” (1 Thess. 5:12)
Stephanas was among those who gave exemplary service and was to be honored in the Corinthian church, something which was most likely not happening. One is reminded of Jesus’ own statement, “A prophet is not without honor except in his hometown and in his own household” (Matt. 13:57).
Paul was sending Stephanas, along with two others, who all had left Corinth to travel with Paul, and were now being sent back to them. Stephanas and his household were among the first to be converted in Corinth (“first fruits”), possibly also including Epaenetus (Rom. 16:5). This was the first household baptized in Corinth, and among the few that Paul personally baptized.
We need to honor the Lord’s servants among us and not be stingy in our praise. We honor them by acknowledging their service while not worrying about gaining honor for ourselves, as the Corinthians had the propensity to do.
Lord, today I commit to honoring the person who comes to my mind right now, for his or her service for Your people in my church.
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