1 Corinthians 16:15-24: a reflection

15Now I beg you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints— 16that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that. 19The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you warmly in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house. 20All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21This greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22If any man doesn’t love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed. Come, Lord! 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love to all of you in Christ Jesus. Amen.

As Paul closes his letter, he singles out some people for honor: the household of Stephanas, who, he says, have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. And he urges the church, be subject to such people, and to everyone who labors and works with them. He wants these quiet servants recognized, appreciated, honored, not overlooked. He even names three of them, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, who refreshed my spirit, he says, and adds, give recognition to such people.

Notice what Paul is drawing attention to. Not the impressive or prominent, but the ones who have simply given themselves to serving others, doing the unglamorous work of caring for God's people. These are easy to take for granted, the reliable servants who are always there, always helping, whose steady labor holds a community together. Paul insists they be seen and honored, not treated as invisible.

There is a prompt here for us. Every community has its Stephanas households, the people who quietly devote themselves to serving, who refresh others' spirits, who labor faithfully with little recognition. It is easy to overlook them precisely because they are so reliable. Paul says: acknowledge such people. Notice the quiet servants around you, name them, thank them, honor them, do not take their faithful service for granted. And consider being one of them, devoting yourself to the service of others as Stephanas did. Let all you do be done in love.

Lord, help me notice and honor the quiet servants, the people who devote themselves to serving others faithfully and are easily taken for granted. Give me a heart to acknowledge them, thank them, and value their steady labor. And make me willing to be one of them, devoting myself to the service of others in love, as Stephanas did. Let all I do be done in love.