I Corinthians 16:1-24
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus … for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. (vv. 17-18) There are a couple of other possible translations for the second half of that quote, verse 18. The NASB has “…they have supplied what was lacking on your part.” The NASB also offers a second alternative, “…they made up for your absence.” My sense, as I read these three verses (and all three translations) in the context of the rest of this letter that Paul is feeling some hostility directed toward him from the Corinthians and that these three brothers are bringing good will and good wishes – reporting on the problems in the Corinthian church, but also setting Paul’s mind at ease with their words of encouragement that the situation at Corinth is not as bad as Paul might make it out to be. That’s my understanding.
But my real comment is directed at the first half of that quote, the beginning of verse 17. Paul is rejoicing at this visit from the brothers. Carol and I have made regular visits to missionaries in Czechia and Slovakia. And I assure you, they are refreshed by our visits! We are welcomed into their homes and into their worship services and other fellowship occasions. We are regularly asked to share on these occasions whatever “word” we might have. I write this to encourage the rest of you to consider a missionary visit to someone you know serving overseas or to one of the missionaries that our church supports through our Mission Committee. Or be part of a small mission trip, perhaps to Uganda the next time that a formal trip is organized (in 2022, as I recall). Now you may think that the $$ you spend might be better served as support money for that missionary. You’re wrong! Your visit will refresh their souls! Or, do both – visit and send money!! ?!
See also: May 17 / I Cor. 16:1-12; May 18 / I Cor. 16:13-24