Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of 1 Corinthians 16:17
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
17. Fortunatus and Achaicus ] Fortunatus is referred to by Clement as the bearer of his Epistle. See Introduction, Ch. iii. Nothing is known of Achaicus.
that which was lacking on your part ] i.e. the void occasioned by your absence, not the pecuniary need of the Apostle as in 2Co 11:9 (cf. Php 2:30). For the Apostle there says that it is his boast, of which no man shall deprive him, that he has never cast any of the burden of his maintenance upon the Corinthian Church. See also ch. 9.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
I am glad of the coming – That is, I am glad that they have come to me at Ephesus. I rejoice that he who was converted by my ministry in Achaia, and who has so long shown himself to be a personal friend to me, and an aid in my work, came where I am.
Stephanas – The same person evidently mentioned in the previous verses. Probably he, as one of the oldest and most respected members of the church, had been selected to carry the letter of the Corinthians 1Co 7:1 to Paul, and to consult with him respecting the affairs of the church there.
Fortunatus and Achaieus – These persons are not referred to anywhere else in the New Testament. It appears that Fortunatus survived Paul, for he was subsequently the messenger of the church at Corinth to that at Rome, and bore back to the Corinthians the Epistle which Clement of Rome sent to them. See that epistle, Section 59.
For that which was lacking … – The word which is used here, and rendered that which was lacking ( husterema), does not occur in the Classic writers. It means properly that which is missing, want, lack – Robinson. It may be used to denote a want or lack of any kind, whether of support, sustenance, aid, consolation, information, or counsel; see Luk 21:4; Phi 2:30; 1Th 3:10. What this was which the Corinthians had neglected or failed to furnish Paul, and which had been supplied by the presence of these persons, can be only a matter of conjecture; and different commentators have supposed different things. It might be a neglect to provide for his needs, or a defect of informing him about their affairs in the letter which they had sent him; or it might be that these persons had furnished, by their presence and conversation, those consolations and friendly offices which the church at Corinth would have rendered had they been all present; and Paul may mean to say, that he had enjoyed with them that friendly contact and Christian communion which he had desired with them, but which was lacking, that is, which he had not been permitted to enjoy by reason of his absence. This is the view which is given by Rosenmuller, Doddridge, Bloomfield; and as Paul does not seem here inclined to blame them, this view is most in accordance with the general strain of the passage.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
1Co 16:17-18
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, for they have refreshed my spirit and yours.
Spiritual refreshment
These three honoured members of the Corinthian Church came to consult the apostle on matters of faith and practice. But their visit was not simply official, for they were personally attached to Paul, and his grateful language is suggestive of the refreshment of spirit which is the result of Christian association.
I. The need of spiritual refreshment.
1. Work may weigh down the soul as well as the body.
2. Trials such as desertion, disappointment, may dispose to melancholy.
3. Living much alone is wearisome; the energies flag, the work suffers.
II. Its appointed agents. Letters and books are precious, but often inadequate. Living fellowship with those likeminded with ourselves has a peculiar power in restoring the equilibrium of the soul. Paul felt, as we do, it hard to work without the smiles and personal encouragements of his friends.
III. Its means. The presence of Christian friends is much, but the opening of their hearts, the inquiry concerning our successes and failures, are more.
IV. Its results.
1. Depression gives way to cheerfulness.
2. Weariness to vigour.
3. Sluggishness to vivacity.
4. Despondency to hope. (Prof. J. R. Thomson.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 17. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, c.] It was by these that the Corinthians had sent that letter to the apostle, to answer which was a main part of the design of St. Paul in this epistle.
Fortunatus] This man is supposed to have survived St. Paul and to be the same mentioned by Clement in his epistle to the Corinthians, sec. 59, as the bearer of that epistle from Clement at Rome to the Christians at Corinth.
For that which was lacking on your part] This may either refer to additional communications besides those contained in the letter which the Corinthians sent to the apostle-which additional circumstances were furnished by the persons above; and from them St. Paul had a fuller account of their spiritual state than was contained in the letter-or to some contributions on their part for the support of the apostle in his peregrinations and labours.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
It should seem that this church had sent these three persons to Paul at this time (as most think) at Ephesus, to acquaint him with the state of their churches; these men supplied the want of that whole churchs coming, or they made a report to the apostle of the Corinthians more fully than they had done in their letters. He adds, that they had refreshed his spirit, not with bringing him any money, (for the apostle hath told us, 1Co 9:15, that he gloried in this, that he had preached the gospel to them freely, without being any charge to them), but by their visit, and the conference that he had had with them about the state of that church. The apostle addeth, that they had refreshed their spirits also; intimating, that their joy was his, and that what was a refreshing to him, ought also to be so to them; he therefore recommendeth these men, and such as they were, to be reverenced and respected by this church.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
17. Fortunatus . . .Achaicusprobably of Stephanas’ household.
that . . . lacking on yourpartSo far as you were unable yourselves to “refreshmy spirit,” in that you are absent from me, “they havesupplied” by coming to me from you, and so supplying the meansof intercourse between you and me. They seem to have carried thisletter back; see the subscription below: hence the exhortations,1Co 16:16; 1Co 16:18,as though they would be at Corinth when the Epistle arrived.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achaicus,…. Who very probably were those of the household of Chloe, mentioned in 1Co 1:11, who came either of their own accord, or were sent as messengers from the church at Corinth to the apostle; who was glad to see them, one of them being baptized by him, and perhaps all of them converted under his ministry: however, they were believers in Christ, if not ministers of the Gospel, which seems very probable.
For that which was lacking on your part they have supplied; which is not to be understood of their supplying him with money, in which the Corinthians had been deficient; for as he had never taken anything of them, he was determined he never would; see 2Co 11:7; but either of their presence which supplied the want of theirs, the apostle had been for some time greatly desirous of; or whereas they had been greatly wanting in sending him an account of the state of the church, and how things stood with them, these brethren greatly supplied that defect, by giving him a very particular account of their church affairs.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
At the coming ( ). At the coming here of Stephanas, etc., the very word used of the of Christ (15:23).
That which was lacking on your part they supplied ( ). Either “these filled up my lack of you” or “these filled up your lack of me.” Either makes perfectly good sense and both were true. Which Paul meant we cannot tell.
Fuente: Robertson’s Word Pictures in the New Testament
That which was lacking on your part [ ] . Or the (i. e. my) lack of you. The Greek will bear either rendering. Compare Phi 2:30; 2Co 8:14; 2Co 9:12. The latter is preferable. Edwards, somewhat naively says : “I do not see what could be lacking on the part of the Corinthians which Stephanas and his two friends could supply at Ephesus.”
Fuente: Vincent’s Word Studies in the New Testament
1) “I am glad of the coming of :” (chairo de epi te parousia) “Now I rejoice at the body presence.” The three church emissaries had brought personal joy to Paul on their arrival and mission stay.
a) “Stephanas (Stephana) “of Stephanas,” meaning “crowned.”
b) “And Fortunatas” (kai phortounatou) “And of Fortunatas” (kai phortounatou) “And of Fortunatus.” The word means “prosperous.”
c) “And Achaicus:” (kai achaikou) “and of Achaicus, meaning “belonging to Achaia.-
2) “For that which was lacking on your part,” (hoti to humerteron husterema) “That of your lacking,” the joy that the presence, visit of a friend brings and the token love gifts that they bear, always helps the laborer.
3) “They have supplied,” (houtoi aneplerosan) “These brethren supplied.” These of Corinth had brought physical supplies to their field missionaries, to share in their labors, show their care for these who had formerly taught them the Word, Gal 6:6.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
17. Coming of The three who brought the letter from the Corinthians and reported to the apostle the true state of his Corinthian Church. Stanley thinks that this Stephanas was a slave in the household of Stephanas, bearing, according to custom, his master’s name.
Lacking on your part All the service I need which you could not render me they supplied. This seems the natural meaning; but we are unable to say in what the lack consisted. But it very probably means the enjoyment of presence and society. The want of you in my heart they by their presence supplied. They were you in miniature for the time.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for that which was lacking on your part they supplied. For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Acknowledge you therefore those who are such.’
He wants them to know how much he has appreciated the coming of these three men as representatives of the whole Corinthian church. They had given him the spiritual encouragement and refreshment in spirit that was lacking because he had not been able to visit the Corinthians. It had assured him that, in spite of the problems, all was really well at heart.
‘They refreshed my spirit and (as well as) yours.’ This probably signifies, ‘these men were a constant refreshment to your spirits, and now they are to mine too.’ Compare 1Co 15:40 a where a similar construction is used.
‘Acknowledge you therefore those who are such.’ That is, they are to acknowledge those who are refreshers of their spirits. Those whose ministry produces genuine blessing are to be acknowledged and looked to. They are the true shepherds.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
1Co 16:17. Fortunatus, This worthy man survived St. Paul a considerable time: for it appears from the epistle of Clement to the Corinthians, sect. 59 that he was the messenger of the church at Corinth to that of Rome, by whom Clement sent back that invaluable epistle. See Archbp. Wake’s epistles of the apostolical fathers.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
1Co 16:17-18 . Regarding Fortunatus (probably not different from the person named in Clem. 1 Cor. 59) and Achaicus no particulars are known. They are not to be included (as de Wette would have it) in the family of Stephanas, which has been spoken of already. Grotius holds them to be Chloe’s people; but see on 1Co 1:11 .
.] because they for their part have supplied your lack (your absence). Comp. on Phi 2:30 . . is thus taken objectively (comp. 1Co 15:31 ): the lack of your presence ; and . and (see the critical remarks) have the emphasis. Observe how courteously the expression: the want of you (of your presence), is chosen. Hofmann, on the contrary, misses this delicate touch by taking it as: what was lacking in you , in this respect, namely, that you could not appear with me in person. With still less delicacy Grotius, who adduces in his support 2Co 9:12 : “ quod vos omnes facere oportuit, id illi fecerunt ; certiorem me fecere de vestris morbis.” He is followed by Rckert, who founds wrongly upon Phi 2:30 : “ what should have been done by you, that have they done ,” inasmuch, namely, as they had given him joy, which had not been done by the Corinthians. But we must not decide here by passages from other Epistles, since linguistically both renderings alike may be correct, but simply by the connection, according to which the men as ambassadors from the Corinthians were the compensation to the apostle for the lack of the presence of the latter. Comp. Chrysosto.
. . .] reason assigned for the preceding . . [110] Regarding the phrase, comp. 2Co 7:13 ; Phm 1:7 ; Phm 1:20 .
] for they have refreshed (by their arrival here, and the communications and assurances connected therewith, comp. 2Co 7:13 ) my spirit and yours . The latter, inasmuch as they had come not in their own name, but as representatives of the whole church ; their meeting therefore with Paul could not but be refreshing to the consciousness of the whole church. As they by their presence provided for Paul the joy of , so they provided it also for the church , which through them had entered into this fellowship with the apostle, and thus owed to them the refreshment which it could not but experience in the consciousness of this living intercourse of love with Paul brought about through these men. Comp. Chrysostom: , . Paul thus expresses not simply reciprocity in general, that which is presupposed where there is good-will (de Wette), but the relation implied in the representation of the church by their delegates, a relation, therefore, which for the latter, in virtue of their acceptance of the embassage, was one of merit . There lies here, also, in the addition of this second pronoun, a tender delicacy (comp. on 1Co 1:2 ), which the readers acquainted with the manner of the apostle could well appreciate. Grotius makes the reference to be to the assurances of Paul’s love which those men had brought with them to the Corinthians. But also, like , must refer to the time of the presence of the delegates with Pau.
] Attention to the compound verb: recognise them rightly (comp. on 1Co 13:12 ), should of itself have sufficed to prevent alterations of the sense of the word (such as: prize them highly , so Theophylact, Grotius, Flatt, Neander, and others). The high esteem is the consequence of the .
] as in 1Co 16:16 .
[110] Had Paul and his readers met together in person, this would have been refreshing for both parties (comp. Rom 1:12 ); and this refreshment of both parties had now taken place through those delegates.
Fuente: Heinrich August Wilhelm Meyer’s New Testament Commentary
17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.
Ver. 17. They have supplied ] viz. Your absence; for in them I take a short view of you all.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
17 .] Perhaps Fortunatus and Achaicus were members of the family of Stephanas. The Fortunatus mentioned by Clement at the end of his Ep. i. to the Corinthians (c. 59, p. 328) may be the same.
] viz. in Ephesus.
.] The want of you (ref.): i.e. of your society. Grotius interprets it, “Quod vos omnes facere oportuit, id illi fecerunt: certiorem me fecere de vestris morbis,” and holds them to have been of chap. 1Co 1:11 . But it is very improbable that he should mention thus a family so distinguished as this: he names them just after, ch. 1Co 1:16 , as the household of Stephanas: and still more improbable that one of so fine feeling should add of the bearers of such tidings, . . ., which would on that hypothesis be almost ironical.
Fuente: Henry Alford’s Greek Testament
1Co 16:17-18 . “But I rejoice at the presence ( or coming) of Stephanas, and Fortunatus, and Achacus.” The stress lying on explains the introductory : “You must show respect to such men, when they reach home; but I am glad that just now they are here ”. Fortunatus (Lat. name, and common) and Achacus (Gr [2684] , and rare) are Stephanas’ companions in the deputation; the three will speedily return to Cor [2685] Since P. thus commends them at the end of his Ep., written in reply to the Letter they had brought from Cor [2686] , perhaps they were to be its bearers also. On Stephanas , see 1Co 1:16 . The two latter names are also h.ll . in N.T.; a Fortunatus appears in Clement’s list of emissaries from Rom. to Cor [2687] ( ad Cor . 65). Ed [2688] supposes all three to be slaves ( Achacus , at least, resembles a slave-name), and identifies them with . of 1Co 1:11 ; but this does not comport with the position given to Stephanas in 1Co 16:15 f.; see, further, note on 1Co 1:11 . (“I rejoice at their presence), because the ( or my) lack of you these have filled up”. represents the objective gen [2689] ( cf. 1Co 15:31 ): the presence of the three with P. could not make up any lack in Cor [2690] , but it made up to P. for the absence of the Cor ., supplying him, representatively, with their desired society. El [2691] and others read the poss. pron [2692] subjectively “what you were lacking in ( i.e. , your want of access) towards me”: this constr [2693] is consistent with the usage of (see parls.); but the former suits better the antithesis to (Ed [2694] ), and Paul’s fine courtesy. “For they refreshed my spirit and yours.” (see parls.) describes the restful effect of friendly converse and sympathy. Paul adds , realising that the comfort of heart received by himself will react upon his friends at Cor [2695] : the Cor [2696] will be cheered to know that their fellowship, in the persons of S., [2697] ., and A., has so greatly cheered him at a time of weariness and heavy trial ( cf. 2Co 2:3 ; 2Co 7:3 ).
[2684] Greek, or Grotius’ Annotationes in N.T.
[2685]
[2686] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2687] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2688] T. C. Edwards’ Commentary on the First Ep. to the Corinthians . 2
[2689] genitive case.
[2690] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2691] C. J. Ellicott’s St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians .
[2692] pronoun.
[2693] construction.
[2694] T. C. Edwards’ Commentary on the First Ep. to the Corinthians . 2
[2695] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2696] Corinth, Corinthian or Corinthians.
[2697] Codex Augiensis (sc. ix.), a Grco-Latin MS., at Trinity College, Cambridge, edited by Scrivener in 1859. Its Greek text is almost identical with that of , and it is therefore not cited save where it differs from that MS. Its Latin version, f, presents the Vulgate text with some modifications.
1Co 16:18 b repeats in another form the advice of 1Co 16:16 : “Acknowledge (know well) then such men as these”. For , see parls., and 1Co 16:16 . (see parls.) denotes strictly accurate knowledge , of persons or things; but knowledge of personal qualities implies corresponding regard to and treatment of those who possess such qualities: cf. 1Th 5:12 f.
Fuente: The Expositors Greek Testament by Robertson
of = at. App-104.
coming = presence. Greek. parousia. See Mat 24:3.
that which was, &c. = your lack. Greek. husterema. Elsewhere, Luk 21:4. 2Co 8:14; 2Co 9:12; 2Co 11:9. Php 1:2, Php 1:30. Col 1:24. 1Th 3:10.
have. Omit.
supplied. Greek. anaplerroo. See Php 2:30.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
17.] Perhaps Fortunatus and Achaicus were members of the family of Stephanas. The Fortunatus mentioned by Clement at the end of his Ep. i. to the Corinthians (c. 59, p. 328) may be the same.
] viz. in Ephesus.
.] The want of you (ref.): i.e. of your society. Grotius interprets it, Quod vos omnes facere oportuit, id illi fecerunt: certiorem me fecere de vestris morbis, and holds them to have been of chap. 1Co 1:11. But it is very improbable that he should mention thus a family so distinguished as this: he names them just after, ch. 1Co 1:16, as the household of Stephanas:-and still more improbable that one of so fine feeling should add of the bearers of such tidings, …, which would on that hypothesis be almost ironical.
Fuente: The Greek Testament
1Co 16:17. , I rejoice) Paul in respect of God, gives thanks, when he might have said, I rejoice; ch. 1Co 1:14, but when he writes to men, he says, I rejoice or I rejoiced, instead of I give thanks; Php 4:10; Phm 1:7 : comp. Act 10:33; 3Jn 1:3. Now again the deputies of the Corinthians had departed; and yet he says in the present tense, I rejoice; for a pleasant remembrance of them remained, and the present is supposed to accord with the time of the reading of the epistle at Corinth.-, of Stephanas) This person seems to have been the son of that Stephanas, whose house is mentioned, but not himself at 1Co 16:15.-, [that which was lacking] the deficiency) So far as you had been awanting to me, and were not yourselves able to refresh me in my absence.
Fuente: Gnomon of the New Testament
1Co 16:17
1Co 16:17
And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus:-Of Fortunatus and Achaicus nothing is known further than that which is here given.
for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.- The deficiency felt by Paul from the absence of the Corinthians, and the impossibility of communicating directly with them, had been supplied by their messengers, because it seemed to him as if in these three men he had the whole church with him.
Fuente: Old and New Testaments Restoration Commentary
coming of
(Greek – , personal presence).
Fuente: Scofield Reference Bible Notes
Stephanas: 1Co 16:15
for: 2Co 11:9, Phi 2:30, Phm 1:13
Reciprocal: 1Co 1:16 – household 2Co 7:6 – comforted
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
1Co 16:17. The lack on the part of the Corinthians, which was supplied by the coming of these brethren, was not in regard to material things as the next verse shows.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
1Co 16:17. And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanasthe same, no doubt, as in 1Co 16:15 and 1Co 1:15,and Fortunatus[1] and Achaicusof whom we only know that they were members of the Corinthian Church who had visited the apostle at Ephesus, and probably were the bearers of the Corinthian letter to him to which he refers in 1Co 7:1, and conveyed, probably, the present letter in reply to it,for that what was lacking on your part they suppliedthat is, the lack of your own presence has been supplied by theirs as your deputies.
[1] Bengel conjectures that this Fortunatus was a son of the above, and Stanley thinks him probably a stave who had received his masters name; but (as Osiander pertinently asks) why not himself?
Fuente: A Popular Commentary on the New Testament
It is very probable that the faithful in the church of Corinth did send these three persons, namely, Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, to St. Paul, at this time at Ephesus, to acquaint him with the state of the church, the rents and scisms that were amongst them; and to desire the interposure of his authority, and the exercise of his apostolical power, in order to the healing of those unhappy breaches.
Now, says the apostle, I am glad of the coming of these men, whom you sent with your letters of inquiry to me; for that account of your affairs which was lacking on your parts in your letter, they have supplied: I am glad, I say, for they have refreshed my spirit with their presence and discourse, and will at their return refresh yours also; therefore acknowledge ye them that are such, own their services, and honour them for the same. There is a tribute of double honour, respect, and reverence, due and payable to such as labour in the church’s services even unto weariness, and are willing to spend and be spent in such services as they are capable of, for the benefit of the church in general, or any member thereof in particular.
Fuente: Expository Notes with Practical Observations on the New Testament
1Co 16:17-18. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas, &c. This Stephanas is supposed by many to have been the son of Stephanas mentioned 1Co 16:15. He, with Fortunatus and Achaicus, are supposed to have been the messengers sent, by the sincere part of the Corinthian church, with the letter mentioned 1Co 7:1. For that which was lacking on your part they have supplied They have performed the offices of love which you could not supply, by reason of your absence. For they have refreshed my spirit By their obliging behaviour and edifying conversation, as I doubt not they have often refreshed yours, by their ministrations among you; or will refresh yours by informing you of my success in preaching the gospel.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Vv. 17, 18. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied, 18. for they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. Paul here extends to the two other members of the deputation what he had just said of the first. Fortunatus is probably the same person who was afterwards the bearer of the letter of Clement of Rome (c. 65). Achaicus is unknown. As slaves often bore the name of the country of their birth, Edwards thinks that this last was one of Chloe’s slaves (1Co 1:11). Weizscker supposes that both were slaves of Stephanas himself. The second supposition is at least more probable than the first. The expression: , literally: your shortcoming, denotes the blank felt by Paul from the absence of the Corinthians, and the impossibility of communicating directly with them. The three deputies have filled this void, because it seemed to him as if in these three men he had the whole Church; comp. Php 2:30. The , for, 1Co 16:18, shows that this verse should explain the preceding expression. They have dissipated the uneasiness which filled the apostle’s heart in regard to the Corinthians. By telling him of the love of the Church, and perhaps showing him many things in a less distressing light than he supposed, they have given him real comfort; they have consoled him, not merely in his human sensibilitiesthis would require , soul,but even in his inmost being, his , spirit, the organ of his relations to God.
And it is not only he whom they have thus comforted; but also the Corinthians themselves. By adding to: my spirit, the words: and yours, the apostle transports himself to the time when the deputies, returned to Corinth, will give account to the congregation of their conferences with Paul, and when the Church also in turn will find in this communication that spiritual tranquillizing which it needs. Now such services should be acknowledged, for it is not every one who could refresh a Paul and a Church of Corinth. Hence the exhortation which closes this paragraph: Acknowledge the work of such men, and what is due to them. What exquisite delicacy is stamped on every line!
Fuente: Godet Commentary (Luke, John, Romans and 1 Corinthians)
And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they supplied.
Fuente: McGarvey and Pendleton Commentaries (New Testament)
17. Doubtless Stephenas, Fortunatus and Achaicus, who had come from Corinth to see him, and thus bring him word in reference to the state of the church, became the bearers of this epistle.
Fuente: William Godbey’s Commentary on the New Testament
Verse 17
Of the coming, &c. These individuals appear to have been the bearers of the letter to Paul, heretofore often referred to.
Fuente: Abbott’s Illustrated New Testament
Stephanus had recently visited Paul in Ephesus with the two other Corinthian brothers the apostle named. They may have carried the questions Paul answered in this letter as well as information about conditions in the church. Travelers carried all mail except government business in the ancient biblical world. [Note: Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, p. 140.] These people had all ministered refreshingly to Paul, as they typically did in Corinth. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be sure to recognize them too.