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CHAPTER 16 (ESV)
13 Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all that you do be done in love.
15 Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— 16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, 18 for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people.
19 The churches of Asia send you greetings. Aquila and Prisca, together with the church in their house, send you hearty greetings in the Lord. 20 All the brothers send you greetings. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21 I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. 22 If anyone has no love for the Lord, let him be accursed. Our Lord, come! 23 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
REFLECTION:
- The Corinthian Church has many problems. Paul, with much love and courage, pointed out principles and methods to deal with these problems and urged them to go back to Christ. I Corinthians taught us that Unity and Love in church is far more important than leadership and reputation.
- In these final instructions to the Christians at Corinth, Paul first charges them to let all that they do “be done in love” (v14) and then to put themselves “at the service” of such people as the household of Stephanas.
- Loving service to the saints seems to be the norm, not the exception. In what ways have I “served the saints” during the past year? In what ways can I serve them in the future? What could I serve in this week or this month? Lord, show me and I will obey.
PRAYER:
Stay with God for a little longer. Continue to converse with God and listen to what he wants to tell me. Then write down any thought and/or prayer.
