1 Corinthians 16:15

Authorized King James Version

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

Word-by-Word Analysis

Παρακαλῶ

G3870

I beseech

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δὲ

G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς

G5209

you

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί·

G80

brethren

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

οἴδατε

G1492

(ye know

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίαν

G3614

the house

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Στεφανᾶ

G4734

of Stephanas

stephanas, a christian

ὅτι

G3754

that

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

#10

ἐστὶν

G2076

it is

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#11

ἀπαρχὴ

G536

the firstfruits

a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)

#12

τῆς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#13

Ἀχαΐας

G882

of Achaia

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

#14

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

#15

εἰς

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

#16

διακονίαν

G1248

the ministry

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

#17

τοῖς

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#18

ἁγίοις

G40

of the saints

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

#19

ἔταξαν

G5021

that they have addicted

to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)

#20

ἑαυτούς·

G1438

themselves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within 1 Corinthians chapter 16 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?

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