Ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia.
The house of Stephanas
I. Its happiness--united in--
1. Faith.
2. Hope.
3. Purpose.
II. Its true nobility--precedence of--
1. Heavenly birth.
2. Experience.
3. Rank.
4. Influence.
III. Its devoted service.
1. Love to the brethren.
2. Liberality of spirit.
3. Sincere attachment to the cause of Christ. (J. Lyth, D.D.)
The natural right of priority
We all feel interested in firstborn children, first forms of enterprise, firstfruits of our labour. Natural feeling gives all first things prominence. First things--
I. Are done with intense feeling, as we see in the youth beginning business, the man entering on a new undertaking. Men brace themselves up for first things, and having no experience as to what strength is required, often put too much into it. Happily life is full of these first things, especially early life, and they exert a most gracious influence on us.
II. Have a natural pre-eminence. The position and rights of the firstborn are an illustration of this. First things are felt to have a representative character. When a servant comes into a house the employers watch the first actions to see how they will frame. When a convert joins a Church the first forms in which Christian responsibility is met are closely scrutinised. Turning his mind back to their hopeful first things the apostle says to the Galatians, “Ye did run well; who did hinder you?”
III. Have promise for following things--as firstfruits have for harvest. A man’s first work need not be his maximum standard, but it ought to be his minimum standard. A first result may tell of power, and power always holds the promise of what culture can make it. One convert made in a new sphere of labour holds the promise of a great ingathering.
IV. Keep a prominent place in the memory, e.g., our first school, first place of business, first love, first sickness, etc. (R. Tuck, B. A.)
That they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.--
Ministering to the saints
I. A very needful work. Many of God’s children are poor, and need the necessaries of life; many are afflicted, and need sympathy; many are weak, and need taking by the hand (Galatians 6:10).
II. A very honourable and beautiful work.
1. Angel-like (Hebrews 1:14).
2. Christ-like (Matthew 20:28; Matthew 25:40).
III. A work that may be exercised in many ways. Thus it is suited to all.
IV. A work that merits recognition on the part of the Church. Those so engaged should be--
1. Highly esteemed. They do much to elevate the tone of the Church; much to preserve it in peace and content; much to stimulate its zeal.
2. Encouraged. The work is trying. Those who encourage others often want much encouragement themselves.
3. Aided. This is probably what the apostle meant in verse 16. “As they serve you, serve them.”
V. A work very beneficial to the workers. “They who water others shall themselves be watered.” We grow rich by bestowing. A sure way of getting to heaven is to get others there. (W. E. Hurndall, M.A.)
That ye submit yourselves unto such.--
Submission due to the elders of the Church
I. Its obligation arises out of their--
1. Age.
2. Experience.
3. Services.
II. Its extent reaches as far as they act.
1. In conformity with the apostolic faith; and
2. Help forward its interests.
III. Its fruits.
1. Order.
2. Edification.
3. Unity. (J. Lyth, D.D.)
Service and honour
I. The vocation to spiritual ministry.
1. Its first condition is sincere personal adhesion to Christianity (verse 15).
2. Christian ministers are of the most various kinds. They vary with capacity, opportunity, necessity.
3. Such services involve co-operation. Some leading, others following, etc.
4. “ Ministering unto the saints “ is an especial form of acceptable service.
II. The honour and subjection due to those engaged in spiritual ministry.
1. Regard and gratitude. Paul here sets the example.
2. Help.
3. Submission. There are many who should be ready not only to work with, but to work under. (Prof. J. R. Thomson, M.A.)
Our duty to the truly useful
We should--
I. Cherish the highest respect for them. Stephanas was one of Paul’s first converts in Achaia, and his family the only one Paul baptized in Corinth, He and his were addicted to the ministries of love. Fortunatus and Achaicus had supplied to Paul what the Corinthians had neglected. The truly useful are the only truly honourable. A man is to be honoured not because of his ancestry, his office, his wealth, but because of what he is morally, and what he does generously in the way of helping the race. The philanthropist is the true prince.
II. Heartily co-operate (verse 16).
1. Co-operate with useful men.
2. In your co-operation let them take the lead. They have proved themselves worthy of your co-operation. (D. Thomas, D. D.)