Read & explore together
Concluding Exhortations
These closing words join strong commands with warm appreciation. The writer urges steady, loving living, then points to people whose service and encouragement should be recognised.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
In this part of the letter, the writer gives short, direct instructions to the brothers. He calls them to watchfulness, firmness, courage, strength and love. He also names the house of Stephanas, along with Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, as examples of service, labour and refreshment.
1 Corinthians 16:13–18Main takeaway
This passage calls believers to live with strength and love, and to value people who faithfully serve and encourage the saints.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Stay alert and steadyThe passage begins with four brief commands: watch, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong.
Explanation
The passage begins with four brief commands: watch, stand firm in the faith, be courageous and be strong. The words are short and forceful. “In the faith” shows that their firmness is tied to what they believe, not just personal determination or confidence.
02Let love guide everythingAfter the strong commands, the writer adds one rule for every action: let all that you do be done in love.
Explanation
After the strong commands, the writer adds one rule for every action: let all that you do be done in love. This does not cancel courage or strength. It shows the way those qualities are to be expressed in all they do.
03Notice the example of Stephanas’ householdThe writer reminds them about the house of Stephanas. He says they were the first fruits of Achaia and that they set themselves to serve the saints.
Explanation
The writer reminds them about the house of Stephanas. He says they were the first fruits of Achaia and that they set themselves to serve the saints. Here, “first fruits” points to them as among the earliest from Achaia mentioned in this passage.
04Respect fellow workers and labourersBecause of that kind of service, the writer urges the believers to be in subjection to such people, and also to everyone who helps in the work and labours.
Explanation
Because of that kind of service, the writer urges the believers to be in subjection to such people, and also to everyone who helps in the work and labours. The emphasis falls on active service and hard work, not on titles or honour by itself.
05Acknowledge those who refresh othersThe writer rejoices at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. He says they supplied what was lacking on the Corinthians’ part and refreshed his spirit and theirs.
Explanation
The writer rejoices at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. He says they supplied what was lacking on the Corinthians’ part and refreshed his spirit and theirs. For that reason, he tells them to acknowledge people like that.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01How does verse 14 shape the way we should understand the strong commands in verse 13?
Read the commands in 1 Corinthians 16:13 together with “Let all that you do be done in love” in 1 Corinthians 16:14 and notice that love directs every action.
02What does the writer want the church to notice about the house of Stephanas?
Look for the two details given in 1 Corinthians 16:15: they are the first fruits of Achaia and they have set themselves to serve the saints.
03Why should believers acknowledge people like Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus?
The reasons are stated in 1 Corinthians 16:17-18: they supplied what was lacking and they refreshed his spirit and yours.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
1 Corinthians 16:13–18
13Watch! Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong!
14Let all that you do be done in love.
15Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints—
16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.