Scripture

You know that Stephanas and his household were the first of the harvest of believers in Greece, and they are spending their lives in service to gods people. I urge you, do your brothers and sisters comma to submit to them and others like them who served with such devotion.

Observation

Paul advises the Corinthians that, in order to send a donation to the church in Jerusalem, they should put aside a portion of their money each week.

Paul is planning to come to Corinth and spend some time with them. He urges them to welcome Timothy and not to intimidate him.

Stephanas and his family were the first believers in Greece have spent themselves serving God’s people. Therefore, they should submit to him.

Paul concludes the letter with some personal greetings.

Application

Stephanas and his household have been faithful servants of the Lord and His people. Paul says that they have spent themselves, which suggests costly, faithful, and unrelenting work. People like that are a rare treasure in the church. They give themselves entirely to serving the Lord.

This is not just about pastors and other employed church leaders. I know of people who are faithful to God in this kind of way in their businesses or at work, as well as pouring themselves out their leisure time.

Because of the sacrificial service, Paul says that the church should submit to them. The people who serve in this way are the ones who become the leaders in the church. Jesus said that if anyone wants to be a leader, they must become the servant of all.

To be a leader is above all else to be a servant.

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the people in my life who show such devotion and faithfulness to you and to your people. Please pour out your blessings on them today. Amen.