📖WEB · 1 Corinthians 16:17
What does 1 Corinthians 16:17 mean?
"I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied."
— 1 Corinthians 16:17 (World English Bible)
Surrounding context
Let all that you do be done in love.
Now I beg you, brothers (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to serve the saints),
that you also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.
The assemblies of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the assembly that is in their house.
All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
Explanation
First Corinthians 16:17 comes at the very close of Paul's letter, in a section where he is sending personal greetings and final remarks after finishing his major arguments about resurrection, spiritual gifts, and church order. Paul writes that he is glad that three men—Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus—have come to be with him, and he says that what was "lacking" from the Corinthians themselves was supplied by these men's presence.
In plain language, Paul is simply expressing personal joy and gratitude. He had been separated from the Corinthian church, likely writing to them from Ephesus, and these three men had apparently traveled to visit him, probably carrying the letter the Corinthians had sent to Paul (referenced earlier in 1 Corinthians 7:1) and perhaps bringing material support or news. Their arrival was a comfort to Paul because it gave him a tangible connection to the congregation he loved and had founded, even though he could not be physically present with them.
Regarding context, Stephanas is mentioned earlier in the letter (1 Corinthians 1:16 and 16:15) as one of the first converts in Achaia, whose household devoted itself to serving the saints. Fortunatus and Achaicus are not mentioned elsewhere in Paul's writings, but their names suggest they were likely members of the Corinthian church, possibly part of Stephanas's household or close associates, sent as representatives of the congregation. Paul is writing to the church in Corinth, a city he had evangelized, dealing with numerous internal
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