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1 Corinthians 16:15

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:15 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “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),” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

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),
1 Corinthians 16:15 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Corinthians 16

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
12But as touching Apollos the brother, I besought him much to come unto you with the brethren: and it was not all [his] will to come now; but he will come when he shall have opportunity.
13Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
14Let all that ye do be done in love.
15Now 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),
16that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.
17And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such.
← 1 Corinthians 16:141 Corinthians 16:16 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I beseech you, brethren, etc.] Entreat or exhort you as brethren in the Lord; this entreaty or exhortation is to submission to fellow helpers and labourers of the ministry, more particularly expressed in the following verse, after the apostle has given a character of the household of Stephanas, who are principally intended, and which contains reasons and arguments why they should be submitted to; and which account stands in the following parenthesis, ye know the house of Stephanas; a person of note at Corinth, whom the apostle had baptized, together with his family, (<460116>1 Corinthians 1:16). The Vulgate Latin version, and some copies, add, “and of Fortunatus and Achaicus”, persons…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“first-fruits of Achaia--the first AchÃ&brvbran converts (compare Rom 16:5). The image is from the first-fruits offered to the Lord (Lev 23:10; compare Co1 15:20). The members of this family had been baptized by Paul himself (Co1 1:16). addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints--Translate, "Set themselves, (that is, voluntarily) to minister unto the saints" (compare Co2 8:4).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“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 connection with 1 Corinthians 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 1 Corinthians 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…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The first fruits of Achaia - The first converts in that province. 1 Corinthians 16:16”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the house: Co1 16:17, Co1 1:16 the firstfruits: Rom 16:5; Rev 14:4 to the: Act 9:36-41; Rom 12:13, Rom 15:25, Rom 16:2; Co2 8:4, Co2 9:1, Co2 9:12-15; Ti1 5:10; Plm 1:7; Heb 6:10; Pe1 4:10 1 Corinthians 16:16”
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Related study paths

Read 1 Corinthians 16 in contextBrowse Greek word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification