Paul
the apostle exhorted the church members in Corinth to “submit
yourselves unto such, and to every one that helps with us,
and labors”,
and in
chapter sixteen and verse seventeen of First Corinthians, Paul shares
with the church members how he is “glad of
the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus”,
where we read:
I am
glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:
for
that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
The
verse begins, “I
am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: ...”
Paul began
with the words, “I am glad” which
means “Paul rejoiced exceedingly” “of
the coming”
or “of the presence, arrival and advent” “of
Stephanas”
whose name means “crowned” and was “a Christian convert of
Corinth” “and Fortunatus” whose
name means “well freighted or fortunate” and was “a Christian
of Corinth” “and Achaicus”
whose name means “belonging to Achaia” and was “the name of a
Christian in Corinth”. Paul “rejoiced” over a visit from three
of the Christians who were part of the church in Corinth.
The
verse goes on to say, “... for
that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.”
Paul
continues with the words, “for that”
which means
“because and since” “which was
lacking”
or “deficient in reference to property and resources, poverty,
want and destitution” “on your
part”
which refers to “concerning the church members” “they
have supplied”
or “Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus made full, occupied and
fulfilled”. Paul acknowledged the “lack” that was fulfilled by
these three members of the church in Corinth.
When
we meditate upon these words from Paul, we see how he was grateful
for “Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus”, and this should
be an inspiration to us as we consider reaching out to those who
spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. A visit, a card, an email or
letter mean so much to those who wonder if they are alone in their
ventures. These three men were able to supply Paul with things the
remainder of the church members could not, and as they ministered to
Paul, they ministered to the Lord as well.
Next
time
Paul shares with the
church members how “Stephanas
and Fortunatus”
have “refreshed
my spirit and yours”,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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