• Download Video
• Download Audio
• Print
• Email
• Save As PDF

"Acknowledge such men."

Text: 1 Corinthians 16:18

ANOTHER SET OF COMMENDED BRETHREN

Paul was blessed to have a good number of fellow-servants of God. His part was to commend them for who they were and for the ministry they sustained.

“I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus,
for what was lacking on your part they supplied.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours.
Therefore acknowledge such men.”
1 Corinthians 16:17-18

1. “I am glad”

a) Paul found gladness in the Lord.

b) In his ministry.

c) And also in the friendship and fellowship of dear friends.

2. Three special friends

a) They were named as Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus.

b) Unfortunately, Paul did not give us more details about them.

3. Their commendation

a) The Corinthian Church should have been supportive of Paul and his ministry.

b) Unfortunately, they were not supportive at all.

c) They were too embroiled in their problems to pay attention to the support of Paul’s apostolic ministry.

d) But these three friends were fully supportive.

i) They supplied what the Corinthians failed to provide.

ii) They refreshed Paul’s spirit.

iii) Paul noted that they did the same for many in Corinth.

iv) They must have brought great encouragement and joy to the hearts of many.

4. “Therefore acknowledge such men”

a) Their ministry of refreshing the spirit of the brethren was to be noted.

b) Their example was to be emulated.

c) They could be fulfilling what the Lord Jesus Christ taught in “The Beatitudes”.

i) They could have been practising “mercy”.

ii) They could have been “peace makers”.

iii) They could have been “meek” and ever “seeking after righteousness”.