Spiritual Refreshment

[1Cor 16:17-18]

1 Cor 16:17-18 (NKJV) I am glad about the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, for what was lacking on your part they supplied. [18] For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men.

Up in verse 15, Paul tells us that Stephanas was like an addict (KJV) when it came to the service of the saints. He did it so consistently and continuously that he had become hooked on hospitality. The household of Stephanas was really devoted to the service of the saints. I know people like that and I rejoice in seeing them. Their homes are open to strangers and to anyone who is in need. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were the ones who brought Paul the letter from Corinth that he partially answered with this first letter to the Corinthians. They had given him a report of the conditions of the church there, and, as he says, they had encouraged him and refreshed his spirit.

Do you know people like that? When you are with them they pick you up, they make your day, they refresh your spirit. Well, rejoice over that, praise God for it, thank Him for it. “…You should appreciate having men like that.” (1Cor 16:18, J.B. Phillips translation).

Acknowledge: Gk. epiginosko (ep-ig-in-oce’-ko) recognise; by implication to become fully acquainted with, to acknowledge. This verb is present imperative tense, a command that is to have a long-term application to keep on, making it a habit of doing this.

My Confession:

I rejoice when my
spirit-filled friends come to see me! We always lift each other up and are encouraged. Our fellowship is refreshing to my spirit! I will always remember them.


God bless you my friend,

— Dwight Hammond