1 Corinthians 16:10-18

Butler's Comments

SECTION 2

Endorse (1 Corinthians 16:10-18)

10 When Timothy comes, see that you put him at ease among you, for he is doing the work of the Lord, as I am. 11So let no one despise him. Speed him on his way in peace, that he may return to me; for I am expecting him with the brethren.

12 As for our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be watchful, stand firm in your faith, be courageous, be strong. 14Let all that you do be done in love.

15 Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; 16I urge you to be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence; 18for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men.

1 Corinthians 16:10-12 With Reassurance: Paul sent Timothy (and Erastus) from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22) and thence to Corinth. After these two helpers had departed on their journey, news came from Corinth that was very disturbing. People from Chloe's household brought a letter and news by word of mouth that the church was struggling in the throes of schismatism, immorality, indifference, disorderliness, and false teaching. Paul knew how easy it would be for such behavior to ruin a young preacher by making him discouraged and cynical. The apostle charges the Corinthian church (Gr. blepete, imperative mood), See that you.. give Timothy every reassurance possible for his ministry among you. Paul says, in Greek, blepete hina aphobos genetai pros humas, or, See that you aim to make him be without fear among you. They are not to just let Timothy shift for himself in this matter of finding strength and assurance for his work. They are to make it their purpose to relieve him of all that would dishearten and depress him.

The Greek word aphobos is translated in RSV as put him at ease but is literally, without fear or phobia. What would Timothy have to fear in Corinth? Pretended sophistication, intellectualism, Gentile cultural differences (shocking enough in themselves to a Jew), all in addition to the problems within the church itself. Paul hopes the Corinthians will conduct themselves toward Timothy according to the principles he has enumeratered in Chapter s 8 through 10. Paul said, Let no one despise him.. The Greek word exouthenese means, literally, to erase from an account-ledger, or, to make of no account. Timothy was young, and a Jew. Timothy had no training in Greek literature as Paul had. Sophisticates from the great cities of Greece might tend to show contempt for a young Jewish lad like Timothy. But Timothy was doing the work of the Lord and he was important to Paul, so he directed the Corinthians not only to support him while he was there, but also to speed him on his way back to him.

Old and young can become close and intimate companions in the work of the gospel. The young person should be respectful and heedful of wise guidance (1 Timothy 5:1-22; 2 Timothy 2:24-26), and the older person is not to think of youth as of no account. Young people need to feel secure through being encouraged, strengthened, and built up.

Evidently, the Corinthians had requested Paul to insist that Apollos, an eloquent man, and a favorite teacher of the Corinthians, return for a visit. It is apparent the Corinthians thought Paul had not transmitted their request to Apollos. What did the Corinthians thinkthat Paul, out of jealousy of Apollos-' superior oratorical ability and his popularity at Corinth, spitefully ignored their request? Paul replies, I strongly urged (Gr. parekalesa, exhorted, encouraged) him to visit with the other brethren. But the more Paul urged, the more Apollos declined. The Greek would literally say, And altogether it was not his will to come now. Apollos was spiritually-minded and loving enough to reject even something he most probably would have enjoyed rather than give any occasion, or appearance, of competition among Christian co-workers. Apollos did not wish his name or his abilities to be abused in support of schismatism or any of the other aberrations of the Corinthian church. He told Paul he would visit Corinth later, when a good opportunity offered itself to him. Whether he did or not, we do not know. His and Paul's actions in these circumstances are exemplary. Let all Christians doing the work of the Lord reassure one another in the same kind of conduct.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 With Righteousness: All Christians should endorse the gospel and give aid to those who labor full-time in its proclamation by living righteously. That is the best endorsement and aid that may be given to those who work so hard and with little reward in this life. Paul said of the Christians at Thessalonica, For you are our glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20). He wanted these Corinthians to be epistles of his, to be known and read by all men (2 Corinthians 3:1-3).

He exhorts them to be watchful (Gr. gregoreite). It is in the imperative mood, thus a command. The male name, Gregory, is from this Greek word, and means vigilant, alert, awake, on guard. The Christian cannot afford to be inept, unaware, careless, unmindful, mesmerized, hypnotized, manipulated and seduced! Paul was afraid for the Corinthians that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, their thoughts would be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3). What was happening to the church with all its problems (especially the false teaching about the resurrection) was not amusing or insignificant. It was evil, destructive, spiritual-insanity.

Next, Paul says, Be standing in the faith. The Greek verb, stekete, is present tense, imperative mood. Once again, it is a command for them to continue their posture before the world in the faith. Paul used the definite article (Gr. te, the faith), so he is not talking here about personal subjective faith as a virtue, but the faith as a body of doctrine. He wanted the Corinthians to take a constant stance upon a knowledge and practice of the revealed faith (the teachings and writings of the apostles). Standing fast in the faith or in the Lord is something which can be determined in an objective way. We can know whether we are keeping the faith if we are keeping Christ's (and the apostle'S) word (1 John 2:3-6; 1 John 2:24; 1 John 3:24, etc.). Standing in the faith gives unimaginable aid and encouragement to teachers of the faith. It is the kind of aid and reward that will never pass away.

Third, Paul says the Corinthians will give aid and comfort to their Christian allies (brethren) by being courageous. Actually, the Greek word is andrizesthe, and literally means, act like a man. They are exhorted (the Greek verb is present tense, imperative mood) to continue maturing, growing up, behaving like adults who learn from experience. All marks of mature adulthood (self-control, caution, sensibility, courtesy, firmness, cool-headedness, consideration for another's opinions and trials, tenderness) is what Paul says will contribute to strengthening their fellow Christians. Mature men do not let peer-pressures or vanities of the world seduce them away from the truth. Mature men are able to endure persecution and tribulation without giving in to falsehood. Some of the Corinthians had behaved like immature babies (see 1 Corinthians 3:1 ff.). It goes without saying that the church today needs members who act like men.

Fourth, they are ordered to be strong (Gr. krataiousthe, again, present imperative). The Greek word is from a root word which means to be forceful, dominating, mighty. There is no place for any kind of weakness in the Christian lifeneither intellectual, moral or spiritual. To be a Christian one must swim against the tide of human opinion and worldly lifestyle. To be a Christian one must endure a constant war between his flesh and the things of God's Spirit (Galatians 5:17; Romans 7:13-25). All the world is on the side of the evil one. The Christian will get no help from the worldly-minded people in this world! Do not expect any. What may seem like help from the world is only deception and seduction. To be a Christian demands the best, the strongest, and the most mature. And the Christian who wishes to aid his brother must be forceful (not overbearing) in his support of the gospel.

Finally, Paul says, Let all that you do be done in love. Love is the supreme virtue (see comments on ch. 13). Without it everything else is wrong. With it (true, agape-love) everything is right. It is that virtue which validates every other professed virtue. Love is the power that sculptures all talents, circumstances, and characteristics of the human personality into a monument reflecting and praising the glory of the Son of God. When all is done in love there is no problem with aiding Christian brethren, (see 1 Peter 4:8).

1 Corinthians 16:15-18 With Respect: When Paul wrote to the Christians at Rome he said, Pay. respect to whom respect is due, honor to whom honor is due (Romans 13:7). He said the same to the Christians at Philippi (see Philippians 2:29) and Thessalonica (see 1 Thessalonians 5:12).

Paul deals first with the motive for respecting fellow-workers. The household of Stephanas, first converts in Achaia (Gr. aparche, lit. firstfruit), devoted (Gr. etaxan addicted KJV) themselves to the service (Gr. diakonian, deaconship) of the saints. Respectful attention to and emulation of such people is a strong Biblical theme (see Hebrews 11:1-40; Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Peter 5:1-5; 2 Timothy 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 3:10-17; Hebrews 13:7, etc.). Respect in the service of the Lord is earned, not inherited.

Next, Paul says, be subject to such men and to every fellow worker and laborer.. The Greek word is hupotassesthe. This comes from the same root word (tasso) as the word etaxan, translated addicted or devoted in 1 Corinthians 16:15. The prepositional prefix, hupo, means under. Thus, the word hupotassesthe means, literally, be addicted or devoted under, or, subjected to, subordinated to. It is the same word used by Paul in Ephesians 5:21 to deal with attitudes and behavior of husband and wife toward one another. The most practical spiritual help we can give to a Christian ally or brother is to subordinate ourselves in service to him. You will note that subordination is not just to a select few, but to every fellow worker and laborer (1 Corinthians 16:16). This substantiates Jesus-' example and apostolic teaching throughout the New Testament (see Matthew 20:25-28; Luke 22:24-27; John 13:1-20; Galatians 5:13; Ephesians 5:21; Philippians 2:3; 1 Peter 5:5). There is no ruling class in the kingdom of God. Christ is the only Kingeveryone else is a servant who is to subordinate himself to his brethren. We are to outdo one another in showing honor (Romans 12:10). It is interesting that Paul uses the Greek conjunction, hina (in order that) to connect the devotion of Stephanas-' ministry with the subordination of the Corinthians to emulate his example. In other words, Stephanas devoted himself to ministry in order that the Corinthians might surrender to his guidance in living the Christian life! That is the way it must be with all leaders in the Churchwherever they wish others to follow, they must lead! They will never bring others to submit to their leadership unless they devote themselves (become addicted to) ministering !

Finally, Paul directs, give recognition to such men. The Greek word epiginoskete does not mean what we usually think of as recognition (applause, flattery, hero-worship). Epiginoskete means, to know thoroughly; to recognize a thing to be what it really is, to be perceptive. The element of expressing gratitude and encouragement is involved, but not braggadocio or adulation. All that is very dangerous to a person's relationship to God. It was said of Jesus, ... you are true, and teach the way of God truthfully, and care for no man; for you do not regard the position of men (Matthew 22:16). Jesus said of himself, I do not receive glory from men (John 5:41). We must be careful to be sincerely grateful for every brother in Christ, expressing it without setting any Christian above another by bragging about him or fawning over him. When Paul wrote this about his fellow laborers, he did not intend the Corinthians to call these fellows before the congregation and give them plaques or put their names in periodicals as if they were the only co-laborers who ever helped him. He simply wanted the Corinthian church to be hospitable, kind, perceptive, and appreciative. Christians should get acquainted with and get to know thoroughly such men as Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus; their devotion in service to Christ and his Church might rub off on those who get to know them.

Applebury's Comments

Workers in the Work of the Lord (10-18)

Text

1 Corinthians 16:10-18. Now if Timothy come, see that he be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do: 11 let no man therefore despise him. But set him forward on his journey in peace, that he may come unto me: for I expect him with the brethren. 12 But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not at all his will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.

13 Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. 14 Let all that ye do be done in love.
15 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), 16 that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth. 17 And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.

Commentary

Timothy.Paul had mentioned him earlier in the epistle (1 Corinthians 4:17). Now he gives directions for their reception of his fellow-worker. He was a young man when Paul selected him to travel with him. It may be because of his youth that Paul said, see that he be with you without fear. Or it may be that Timothy was timid. Whatever the cause, they knew his value to Paul who declared that he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. The attitude of Paul as an older minister toward Timothy as a young evangelist is one that should be seen far more often today than it is.

The brethren were to help Timothy as he continued on his way. Just what was involved is not stated.

Apollos.He had been prominent in the work at Corinth. See 1 Corinthians 1:10 and 1 Corinthians 3:4-6. Paul looked upon him as a brother in Christ and a fellow-worker for the Lord. His affectionate concern for those who worked with him is one of the marks of Paul's true greatness.

It is interesting to note that Paul did not order Apollos to go to Corinth. He had urged him to go but recognized his right to decide when it was best for him to do so. Paul was sure that the opportunity would come.

Watch ye.Certain things were to direct the church as they faced the opportunities of service and the problems that were involved. Like good soldiers, they were to be alert. Like true followers of the Christ, they were to stand fast in the faith and not be frightened from the truth by any adversary. Like dedicated servants of the Lord, they were to conduct themselves as men. Like citizens of the heavenly kingdom, they were to be strong and rely on Him who had conquered at Calvary and who would give them the victory in all their work for Him. Paul said, Let all that ye do be done in love. He had already explained just what that meant (1 Corinthians 13:1-13).

the house of Stephanas.They were among the first of Paul's converts at Corinth (1 Corinthians 1:16). He calls them firstfruits because they were the first of the harvest for the Lord. There were to be others like them. When Paul was at Corinth the first time, the Lord had revealed to him that He had much people in the city (Acts 18:9-10). This family had set themselves to the task of ministering to the saints. Just what was involved in this ministry is not stated, but it was such that Paul recommended that others align themselves with these servants of the Lord and all others who helped in the work.

the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus.Paul received these brethren from Corinth with great joy. There were times when it had become necessary to reprove the Corinthians for sinful practices. Even then he admonished them as beloved children (1 Corinthians 4:14). It was not possible for the whole church to pay him a visit, but his spirit and theirs was refreshed by the coming of these who represented all the brethren at Corinth.