“At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” (Ps. 16: 11)
The Basket Case Chronicles #200
“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:15-16).
The first household to be converted in Achaia was the household of Stephanas. But they were not simply the first converts—they had also subsequently given themselves over to the ministry of the saints. The AV says “addicted,” while the ESV says that they “devoted” themselves to service of the saints. The word for service here is diakonos, and Paul says (in an interesting gospel-twist) that the Corinthians should submit themselves to people who are like that. Servants are granted authority through their service. Paul says that anyone who is like the household of Stephanas, anyone who helps, anyone who co-labors in this way, should be honored with obedience. And so it is that in the body of Christ we serve those who serve, we submit to those who submit, we are subject to those who subject themselves, we give way to those who give way.
Coach was right. It is amazing what can be accomplished when no one cares who gets the credit.
Behold, how good and how pleasant when brethren dwell together in unity.
Thanks.
You be leanin’ away from Kuyperian spheres of authority now?
Saying Paul agrees more with Koyzis on the more organic “responsibility” from our elders and then the reciprocal devotion & obedience that properly exercising that responsibility draws out, nay, demands?