1 Corinthians 16:17-18

“But I rejoice at the presence (or coming) of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaïcus.” The stress lying on παρουσίᾳ explains the introductory δέ : “You must show respect to such men, when they reach home; but I am glad that just now they are here ”. Fortunatus (Lat. name, and common) and Achaïcus (Gr [2684], and rare) are Stephanas' companions in the deputation; the three will speedily return to Cor [2685] Since P. thus commends them at the end of his Ep., written in reply to the Letter they had brought from Cor [2686], perhaps they were to be its bearers also. On Stephanas, see 1 Corinthians 1:16. The two latter names are also h.ll. in N.T.; a Fortunatus appears in Clement's list of emissaries from Rom. to Cor [2687] (ad Cor. § 65). Ed [2688] supposes all three to be slaves (Achaïcus, at least, resembles a slave-name), and identifies them with οἱ τ. Χλοῆς of 1 Corinthians 1:11; but this does not comport with the position given to Stephanas in 1 Corinthians 16:15 f.; see, further, note on 1 Corinthians 1:11. (“I rejoice at their presence), because the (or my) lack of you these have filled up”. ὑμέτερον represents the objective gen [2689] (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:31): the presence of the three with P. could not make up any lack in Cor [2690], but it made up to P. for the absence of the Cor., supplying him, representatively, with their desired society. El [2691] and others read the poss. pron [2692] subjectively “what you were lacking in (i.e., your want of access) towards me”: this constr [2693] is consistent with the usage of ὑστέρημα (see parls.); but the former suits better the antithesis to παρουσία (Ed [2694]), and Paul's fine courtesy. “For they refreshed my spirit and yours.” ἀναπαύω (see parls.) describes the restful effect of friendly converse and sympathy. Paul adds καὶ ὑμῶν, realising that the comfort of heart received by himself will react upon his friends at Cor [2695] : the Cor [2696] will be cheered to know that their fellowship, in the persons of S., [2697]., and A., has so greatly cheered him at a time of weariness and heavy trial (cf. 2 Corinthians 2:3; 2 Corinthians 7:3).

[2684] Greek, or Grotius' Annotationes in N.T.

[2685] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2686] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2687] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2688] T. C. Edwards' Commentary on the First Ep. to the Corinthians. 2

[2689] genitive case.

[2690] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2691] C. J. Ellicott's St. Paul's First Epistle to the Corinthians.

[2692] pronoun.

[2693] construction.

[2694] T. C. Edwards' Commentary on the First Ep. to the Corinthians. 2

[2695] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2696] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.

[2697] Codex Augiensis (sæc. ix.), a Græco-Latin MS., at Trinity College, Cambridge, edited by Scrivener in 1859. Its Greek text is almost identical with that of, and it is therefore not cited save where it differs from that MS. Its Latin version, f, presents the Vulgate text with some modifications.

1 Corinthians 16:18 b repeats in another form the advice of 1 Corinthians 16:16 : “Acknowledge (know well) then such men as these”. For τοὺς τοιούτους, see parls., and 1 Corinthians 16:16. ἐπιγινώσκω (see parls.) denotes strictly accurate knowledge, of persons or things; but knowledge of personal qualities implies corresponding regard to and treatment of those who possess such qualities: cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 f.