What does 1 Corinthians 16:15 mean?
Paul recognizes a man named Stephanas and his family from Corinth. He says they were the first converts to Christianity in Achaia. Corinth was the capital of the Roman province of Achaia, and it's possible the name referred not to the whole province but an area closer to Corinth. Paul mentioned at the start of this letter that he personally had baptized Stephanas and his household.It's likely that Paul is mentioning Stephanas here at the end of the letter because he is one of the three men who came to visit Paul in Ephesus, perhaps bringing the letter from Corinth that Paul replies to throughout this letter.
After coming to Christ, Stephanas and his household went all in on following Christ. Paul writes that they devoted themselves to the service of the saints, meaning all the others who came to Christ after them. The language suggests that Stephanas and family set themselves aside for this specific service of meeting the needs of God's people.
First Corinthians 16:12–18 contains some of Paul's last-minute instructions to the Corinthians at the close of his letter. He tells them Apollos will not be coming to visit them right away. He urges them to be on guard and stand firm in the faith, likely against false teachers. They must be strong but also do everything in love. Finally, Paul tells them to submit and give recognition to people like those of Stephanas's household. These devoted servant-leaders were the first Christians in Corinth and have greatly encouraged him by coming to see him in Ephesus.
Having finished the main teaching parts of his letter, Paul wraps up with some matters of business. He tells the Corinthians how to gather funds for a special contribution. He describes his travel plans, including his plan to arrive there before winter. He warns them to treat Timothy well and commends a delegation from Corinth that have come to see him. He concludes with greetings from other believers, along with a curse and a blessing. He curses those who do not love the Lord—here apparently meaning false teachers—and prays the grace of the Lord on everyone else.
