‘And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for that which was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Acknowledge you therefore those who are such.'
He wants them to know how much he has appreciated the coming of these three men as representatives of the whole Corinthian church. They had given him the spiritual encouragement and refreshment in spirit that was lacking because he had not been able to visit the Corinthians. It had assured him that, in spite of the problems, all was really well at heart.
‘They refreshed my spirit and (as well as) yours.' This probably signifies, ‘these men were a constant refreshment to your spirits, and now they are to mine too.' Compare 1 Corinthians 15:40 a where a similar construction is used.
‘Acknowledge you therefore those who are such.' That is, they are to acknowledge those who are refreshers of their spirits. Those whose ministry produces genuine blessing are to be acknowledged and looked to. They are the true shepherds.