1 Corinthians 16:15
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,)
Original Language Analysis
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
G3870
Παρακαλῶ
I beseech
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
1 of 20
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀδελφοί·
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί·
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
οἴδατε
(ye know
G1492
οἴδατε
(ye know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 20
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
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἰκίαν
the house
G3614
οἰκίαν
the house
Strong's:
G3614
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 20
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
G536
ἀπαρχὴ
the firstfruits
Strong's:
G536
Word #:
11 of 20
a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
διακονίαν
the ministry
G1248
διακονίαν
the ministry
Strong's:
G1248
Word #:
16 of 20
attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἁγίοις
of the saints
G40
ἁγίοις
of the saints
Strong's:
G40
Word #:
18 of 20
sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)
Cross References
Romans 16:5Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Salute my wellbeloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia unto Christ.1 Corinthians 1:16And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.2 Corinthians 9:1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:1 Peter 4:10As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.Romans 16:2That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.Romans 15:25But now I go unto Jerusalem to minister unto the saints.2 Corinthians 8:4Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
Historical Context
Stephanas (with Fortunatus and Achaicus, v. 17) apparently delivered the Corinthians' letter to Paul (7:1) and reported on Corinthian conditions. Paul personally baptized Stephanas's household (1:16), one of the few baptisms he performed. As "firstfruits" of Achaia, they held chronological primacy and modeled faithful devotion in a church fractured by status-seeking and division.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean for believers to 'appoint themselves' to ministry without waiting for official authorization?
- Why does Paul highlight the household of Stephanas rather than individual leaders?
- How does the 'firstfruits' imagery shape your understanding of first converts' responsibilities in a new church?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia)—Parakaleō (παρακαλέω, "beseech, exhort") introduces commendation of Stephanas's household, Paul's first converts in the Corinthian region (Achaia). Aparchē (ἀπαρχή, "firstfruits") recalls Israel's offering of first produce to God (Exodus 23:19), here applied to first converts—a holy offering to God.
And that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints—Etaxan heautous eis diakonian (ἔταξαν ἑαυτοὺς εἰς διακονίαν, "they appointed/devoted themselves to ministry"). This remarkable phrase indicates voluntary, self-initiated service without formal appointment. Diakonia (διακονία) encompasses practical service—hospitality, aid to the poor, support for traveling teachers. Stephanas's household exemplified servant leadership, not seeking status but performing humble ministry.