1Cor 16:15-16 | Barnes | STEP | Verse 15. I beseech you, brethren . The construction here is somewhat involved, but the sense is plain. The words, "I beseech you," in this verse, are evidently to be taken in connexion with . "I beseech you that ye submit yourselves unto such," etc. The design is, to exhort them to pay proper deference to Stephanas, and to all who sustained the same rank and character; and the remainder of is designed to state the reason why they should show respect and kindness to the household of Stephanas. Ye know the house . You are acquainted with the household, or family Probably a considerable portion, or all, of the family of Stephanas had been converted to the christian faith. Of Stephanas . . Paul there says, that he had baptized his family. That it is the first fruits of Achaia . They were the first converted to the Christian religion in Achaia. . Respecting Achaia, . That they have addicted themselves , etc. That they have devoted themselves to the service of Christians. That is, by aiding the ministry; by showing hospitality; by providing for their wants; by attending and aiding the apostles in their journeys, etc. (f) "first fruits of Achaia" (+) "ministry" "service"

1 Corinthians 16:15-16

Verse 15. I beseech you, brethren. The construction here is somewhat involved, but the sense is plain. The words, "I beseech you," in this verse, are evidently to be taken in connexion with 1Cor 16:16. "I beseech you that ye submit yourselves unto such," etc. The design is, to exhort them to pay proper deference to Stephanas, and to all who sustained the same rank and character; and the remainder of 1Cor 16:15 is designed to state the reason why they should show respect and kindness to the household of Stephanas.

Ye know the house. You are acquainted with the household, or family Probably a considerable portion, or all, of the family of Stephanas had been converted to the christian faith.

Of Stephanas. 1Cor 1:16. Paul there says, that he had baptized his family.

That it is the first fruits of Achaia. They were the first converted to the Christian religion in Achaia. Rom 16:5. Respecting Achaia, Acts 18:12.

That they have addicted themselves, etc. That they have devoted themselves to the service of Christians. That is, by aiding the ministry; by showing hospitality; by providing for their wants; by attending and aiding the apostles in their journeys, etc.

(f) "first fruits of Achaia" Rom 16:5 (+) "ministry" "service" Verse 16. That ye submit yourselves, etc. The word used here means, evidently, that you would show them proper deference and regard; that you would treat them with distinguished respect and honour for what they have done.

And to every one that helpeth with us, etc. Every one that aids us in the ministry, or provides for our wants, etc. It is possible that Stephanas lived among them at this time, 1Cor 1:16, though he had been converted in Achaia; and it is probable that, as Corinth was a central place and a thoroughfare, others might come among them who were the personal friends of Paul, and who had aided him in the ministry. Towards all such he bespeaks their kind, and tender, and respectful regards.

(g) "submit yourselves" Heb 13:17