Paul sets before the Corinthians as an example the household of Stephanus - the Stephanus family. And he points out that not only were they the first converts – he mentions baptizing them in 1:16 - they were also worthy of emulation because they had shown this love of Christ by devoting themselves – the word he uses in Greek: 'etaxan' Literally “addicted” themselves – dedicated or devoted themselves to serving others.
Now we know of many things we can become addicted to, but of how many people can we honestly say “he or she is addicted to serving Christ and his people”
Would that we all had such an ADDICTION!
How did they become worthy examples - They did not appoint themselves to office, or demand a place of priority they became examples in their lowly service – literally Diakonia – from which we get the word deacons. They should submit themselves in particular to this kind of person, let them be your examples, the people you look up to and follow. And similarly all who labor like them, for they too are doing that same kind of work that Paul did, as devoted servants.
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I was converted out of paganism and the occult in 1993 and while I was initially Charismatic/Arminian in my theology, I became Reformed and Presbyterian through bible study and the influence of ministries like Ligonier. After teaching in local bible studies, and taking seminary...