You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to God’s people. I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to submit to them and others like them who serve with such devotion. I am very glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come here. They have been providing the help you weren’t here to give me. They have been a wonderful encouragement to me, as they have been to you. You must show your appreciation to all who serve so well.
1 Corinthians 16:15-18
Stephanas was a person of note at Corinth, whom Paul had baptized, together with his family (1 Cor 1:16). They were the first converted to the Christian religion in Achaia. The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies, add, “and of Fortunatus and Achaicus”, persons mentioned along with Stephanas in 1 Cor 1:16. It is most likely the reference to Fortunatus and Achaicus is not original in verse 16 but belongs in verse 17. The reference in the first verse is a general one to Stephanus and his household, a natural comment for Paul to make. The mention of Fortunatus and Achaicus in verse 17 is meant to be there. It is an original Pauline inclusion. The reference to the three men in verse 17 is appropriate as they were the ones who came to see Paul.
Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus were probably members of the household of Chloe, mentioned in 1 Cor 1:11, who came either of their own accord, or were sent as messengers from the church at Corinth to Paul. He was glad to see them, one of them being baptized by him, and perhaps all of them converted under his ministry. Fortunatus is supposed to have survived St. Paul; and to be the same mentioned by Clement in his epistle to the Corinthians, as the bearer of that epistle from Clement at Rome to the Christians at Corinth. Their names are not referred to anywhere else in the New Testament.
What it was that the Corinthians had neglected or failed to provide Paul is a matter of conjecture. Different commentators have supposed different things. Suggestions have been: a neglect to provide for his needs, or the failure to inform him about their affairs in the letter which they had sent him, or the personal contact which the church at Corinth could have made had they been present and the contact and Christian fellowship which Paul desired with them.
No matter how tough your situation is, don’t give up! By perseverance the snail reached the ark.
C. H. Spurgeon
It is amazing how much we ALL can accomplish when it doesn’t matter who gets the credit.
Sidney Mohede