1 Corinthians 16:13-18·~1 min

Concluding Exhortations

Paul tells them to stay alert, stand firm in the faith, act courageously, and be strong. Yet all of this strength is to be carried out in love, so the chapter's sharp imperatives remain governed by the letter's deepest measure.

B¹³e on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong. ¹⁴Do everything in love.

Paul reminds them that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints, and he urges the church to submit to such people and to every fellow worker. He is glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come, because they have supplied what was lacking from Corinth and refreshed his spirit and theirs as well.

¹⁵You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, ¹⁶to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. ¹⁷I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ¹⁸For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men.

Section summaryPaul gathers a final cluster of exhortations around wakefulness, courage, love, and willing submission to those who labor faithfully among the saints. He then names Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus with gratitude because their presence has refreshed both Paul and the church, and he asks the Corinthians to recognize such people properly.

Role in the chapterThis section condenses much of the letter's ethical tone into a few direct imperatives. It ends the body of the letter by commending love, steadiness, and the honoring of faithful service.