13Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage and resolve, be strong. [16:14] Let all that you do be done in love. [16:15] Now I urge you, brothers — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the initial harvest of Achaia and they have devoted themselves to service for those who are set apart — [16:16] that you also submit to such people, and to everyone who joins in the work and labors. [16:17] And I rejoice at the authoritative arrival of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because what was lacking from you, these have filled up. [16:18] For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Recognize such people.
1CO 16:13-18
Concluding Exhortations
In the world it was spoken into
In this concluding exhortation, the writer addresses the Corinthian community, a diverse urban congregation familiar with Greco-Roman social norms and Christian communal practices. The call to 'act like men' draws on the cultural ideal of masculine courage and strength, valued in both Roman and Jewish contexts, urging the Corinthians to embody resilience in their faith. The mention of Stephanas’ household as the 'firstfruit' of Achaia evokes the Jewish practice of offering the first and best portion to God, symbolizing their dedication and leadership in service . This service, often practical and humble, was essential in sustaining the early Christian communities. The arrival of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus is described using , a term associated with the authoritative presence of a dignitary, underscoring their significant role in addressing the community’s needs and refreshing both the writer’s spirit and theirs. The exhortation to recognize and submit to such leaders reflects the honor-shame dynamics of the time, where respect for benefactors and laborers was paramount.
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How other translations render this
1CO 16:13
- KJV
- Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
- BSB
- Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.
- Koinōnos
- Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage and resolve, be strong.
1CO 16:14
- KJV
- Let all your things be done with charity.
- BSB
- Do everything in love.
- Koinōnos
- Let all that you do be done in love.
1CO 16:15
- KJV
- I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)
- BSB
- You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers,
- Koinōnos
- Now I urge you, brothers — you know the household of Stephanas, that it is the initial harvest of Achaia and they have devoted themselves to service for those who are set apart —
1CO 16:16
- KJV
- That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.
- BSB
- to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.
- Koinōnos
- that you also submit to such people, and to everyone who joins in the work and labors.
1CO 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.
- BSB
- I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.
- Koinōnos
- And I rejoice at the authoritative arrival of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because what was lacking from you, these have filled up.
1CO 16:18
- KJV
- For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
- BSB
- For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.
- Koinōnos
- For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Recognize such people.
Only verses where the wording diverges meaningfully are shown. Identical phrasings are suppressed.
Translator's notes
1CO 16:13
- do act like men,:The phrase translated 'do act like men' carried the sense of showing courage and resolve, often in the face of adversity, rather than simply referring to gender.
1CO 16:15
- firstfruit:The word translated 'firstfruit' referred to the initial harvest or offering, symbolizing dedication to God and often implying a promise of more to come.
- service:The term translated 'service' often implied practical, humble assistance, like waiting on tables or ministering to physical needs, rather than a more general or formal 'service'.
1CO 16:17
- coming:The word translated 'coming' often referred to the official arrival or presence of a dignitary or important person, carrying a sense of authority and significance.