Refreshing My Spirit and Yours 1 Corinthians 16:18

Paul the apostle told the church members in Corinth he was “glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus”, and in chapter sixteen and verse eighteen of First Corinthians, Paul shares with the church members how the “Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus” “refreshed my spirit and yours”, where we read:

For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge them that are such.

The verse begins, “For they have refreshed my spirit and yours:” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “even as, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, verily and therefore” “they have refreshed” or “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have given rest, quiet and calm to” “my spirit” or “Paul's disposition or influence which fills and governs the soul of any one” “and yours” which refers to the church members. Paul shared how “rest, quiet and calm” were provided by “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus”.

The verse continues, “...therefore acknowledge them that are such.” Paul added the words, “therefore” which means “then, accordingly, consequently and these things being so” “acknowledge” or “become thoroughly acquainted with and know accurately and well” “them that are such” which refers to people who are like “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus”. Paul concluded that the church members were to “become thoroughly acquainted with” people who were like these three men.

When we think through these words from Paul, we see the benefit that “Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus” brought to him by their visit. Paul was so encouraged by these three men that he promoted “thoroughly” knowing people such as them . Jesus Christ desires for His church to be inspired and “refreshed” by others, and when we recognize people like this, let us take heed only Paul's words, but also to the Lord Jesus who is blessed when we obey them.

Next time Paul shares with the church members how “the churches of Asia salute you” as well as “Aquila and Priscilla”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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