King James Version

What Does 1 Corinthians 16:15 Mean?

1 Corinthians 16:15 in the King James Version says “I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addic... — study this verse from 1 Corinthians chapter 16 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

1 Corinthians 16:15 · KJV


Context

13

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

14

Let all your things be done with charity.

15

I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17

I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia)Parakaleō (παρακαλέω, "beseech, exhort") introduces commendation of Stephanas's household, Paul's first converts in the Corinthian region (Achaia). Aparchē (ἀπαρχή, "firstfruits") recalls Israel's offering of first produce to God (Exodus 23:19), here applied to first converts—a holy offering to God.

And that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saintsEtaxan heautous eis diakonian (ἔταξαν ἑαυτοὺς εἰς διακονίαν, "they appointed/devoted themselves to ministry"). This remarkable phrase indicates voluntary, self-initiated service without formal appointment. Diakonia (διακονία) encompasses practical service—hospitality, aid to the poor, support for traveling teachers. Stephanas's household exemplified servant leadership, not seeking status but performing humble ministry.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Stephanas (with Fortunatus and Achaicus, v. 17) apparently delivered the Corinthians' letter to Paul (7:1) and reported on Corinthian conditions. Paul personally baptized Stephanas's household (1:16), one of the few baptisms he performed. As "firstfruits" of Achaia, they held chronological primacy and modeled faithful devotion in a church fractured by status-seeking and division.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean for believers to 'appoint themselves' to ministry without waiting for official authorization?
  2. Why does Paul highlight the household of Stephanas rather than individual leaders?
  3. How does the 'firstfruits' imagery shape your understanding of first converts' responsibilities in a new church?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
Παρακαλῶ1 of 20

I beseech

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

δὲ2 of 20
G1161

but, and, etc

ὑμᾶς3 of 20

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

ἀδελφοί·4 of 20

brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

οἴδατε5 of 20

(ye know

G1492

used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl

τὴν6 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

οἰκίαν7 of 20

the house

G3614

properly, residence (abstractly), but usually (concretely) an abode (literally or figuratively); by implication, a family (especially domestics)

Στεφανᾶ8 of 20

of Stephanas

G4734

stephanas, a christian

ὅτι9 of 20

that

G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐστὶν10 of 20

it is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἀπαρχὴ11 of 20

the firstfruits

G536

a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)

τῆς12 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Ἀχαΐας13 of 20

of Achaia

G882

achaia (i.e., greece), a country of europe

καὶ14 of 20

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εἰς15 of 20

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

διακονίαν16 of 20

the ministry

G1248

attendance (as a servant, etc.); figuratively (eleemosynary) aid, (official) service (especially of the christian teacher, or technically of the diaco

τοῖς17 of 20
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἁγίοις18 of 20

of the saints

G40

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

ἔταξαν19 of 20

that they have addicted

G5021

to arrange in an orderly manner, i.e., assign or dispose (to a certain position or lot)

ἑαυτούς·20 of 20

themselves

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Corinthians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Corinthians 16:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Corinthians 16:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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