Devine Scripture

1 Corinthians 16:15

What does 1 Corinthians 16:15 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Corinthians 16:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Corinthians 16:15 means

Paul appeals to the church regarding the house of Stephanas, the first converts in Achaia, who have dedicated themselves to serving the saints. Their early faith and ongoing ministry make them worthy examples and trusted servants. Devotion here is not a title but a proven practice of meeting others’ needs. By reminding the Corinthians of their story, Paul gently urges the church to recognize God’s work among them. These are the kind of leaders to follow—those who serve. Their precedence as “firstfruits” gives them a natural place of honor, but it is their continuing labor of love that confirms it.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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,)

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Now I make my request to you, my brothers, for you have knowledge that the house of Stephanas is the first-fruits of Achaia, and that they have made themselves the servants of the saints,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And I entreat you, brethren, ye have known the household of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and to the ministration to the saints they did set themselves--

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And I beseech you, brethren, you know the house of Stephanus, and of Fortunatus, and of Achaicus, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia, and have dedicated themselves to the ministry of the saints:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruits of Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the saints for service,)

Context

After commanding strength and love (vv.13–14), Paul points to concrete models. The household of Stephanas, as early converts in Achaia, have lived out loving service. Verses 16–18 will apply this by calling the Corinthians to submit to such workers and to acknowledge those who refresh others. This helps correct the church’s earlier tendency to exalt rhetoric or status over humble labor. Honoring genuine servants fosters unity and order.

v.14Let all that ye do be done in love.

v.15This passage

v.16that ye also be in subjection unto such, and to every one that helpeth in the work and laboreth.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 18:12

    But when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment-seat,

  • 2 Corinthians 8:4

    beseeching us with much entreaty in regard of this grace and the fellowship in the ministering to the saints:

  • Philemon 1:7

    For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

  • Revelation 14:4

    These are they that were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they that follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were purchased from among men, to be the firstfruits unto God and unto the Lamb.

  • Romans 16:5

    and salute the church that is in their house. Salute Epænetus my beloved, who is the firstfruits of Asia unto Christ.

  • Romans 12:13

    communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality.

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