Twin City church of Christ Blog
“May 23, 2024 - They Refreshed My Spirit”
Categories: 2024 Reading DevotionalsThey Refreshed My Spirit
Reading: 1 Corinthians 16:12-24
The end of this letter is a combination of short instructions, greetings, and notes about people known to the church. Paul is writing from Ephesus (1 Cor 16:8, 19) and has recently seen Aquila and Prisca (1 Cor 16:19) who are there and came from Corinth (Acts 18:1-3). The teacher Apollos, for reasons Paul does not explain, is not willing to come to see them just yet (1 Cor 16:12). New Testament churches also often sent greetings to each other (v. 19, 20, 21), reminding us that even as we work through problems together, we remain brothers and sisters in Christ.
“Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints—be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people”(1 Cor 16:15-18). Stephanas and his family were Paul’s first converts in Corinth and he puts in a special word for them. They “have devoted themselves to the service of the saints”—which implies the meeting of physical needs. Paul encourages the Corinthians to “be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer”(1 Cor 16:16). We submit ourselves to the good purposes they have to do good for others, especially by working alongside them and contributing to help. Three of this group have come to Paul and “they refreshed my spirit as well as yours.” Paul wants this kind of behavior and sacrifice to be admired and imitated.
“They refreshed my spirit” means that their encouragement buoyed him in a difficult time. Just as food and drink can refresh the body in desperate circumstances, so our brothers and sisters can rejuvenate our spirits. We have new energy and courage. We have a fresh smile and a spring in our step. We are ready to serve Jesus—and others—anew.
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One Thing to Think About: Whose spirit will I refresh today?
One Thing to Pray For: Brothers and sisters who will refresh me
