The family of Stephanas was the first family in Achaia that embraced the gospel. In Rom. 16, 5, Epenetus, according to the common text, is said to have been the first fruits of Achaia ; but there the true reading is Asia ; so that there is no conflict between the two passages. Of the family of Ste- phanas it is said, that they addicted themselves to the ininister- ing of the saints, i. e. devoted themselves to the service of believers. The expression does not necessarily involve the idea of any official service. The exhortation is, that ye also submit yourselves to such. ' As they serve you, do you serve them,' Nothing is more natural than submission to the good. And to every one that helpeth with (such), and lahoureth. This may mean, submit yourselves to every one who co-operates with such persons ; i. e. to all who in like manner are addicted to the service of believers. Those who serve, should be served.
17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus : for that which was lacking on yom* part they have supplied.
These were members of the church in Corinth, who visited Ephesus probably for the express purpose of seeing the apos- tle, and of consulting him on the condition of the church. They were probably the bearers of the letter from the Corin- thians to Paul, to which he alludes in 7, 1. The reason why he rejoiced in their presence was, that they supplied what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians ; or rather, the loant of you {to vfx€Tepov va-TeprjixoL ; vfiirepov being objective, as in 15, 31.) The presence of these brethren made up to the apos- tle, in a measure, the absence of the Corinthians. Another explanation is, ' they have done what you failed to do,' i. e. in- formed me of the true state of things in Corinth. The former view of the meaning is the common one, and is more in keep- ing with the tone of the passage, which is affectionate and conciliatory. This too is confirmed by what follows.
18. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours : therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.
M>r, i. e. They have supplied your place, for their presence has had the same effect as would have followed from our being together. It has refreshed me, and it has had a corresponding effect on you. ' To them,' as Meyer and others explain it,