1 Corinthians 16:16 – Firstfruits and elders

Now I am entreating you, brethren – you are acquainted with the house of Stephanas and Fortunatus, that is the firstfruit of Achaia, and they set themselves to the service for the saints – that you also may be subject to such and every fellow worker and toiler.

Here we find a good example of how subordination works. The Scriptures often speak of “elders” (literally, the elderly) who are supposed to be overseers and supervise. With ‘elders’ one does not think of old age, but it is a relative fact. One is older than, in the sense of: earlier. Our oldest child is called elder, because she was born first. She was the oldest when she was little. And because she was the oldest, she was often entrusted with care and supervision and had to do things for her younger brothers. That’s how it goes with firstfruits.

Thus, Stephen’s house was a firstfruit in Achaia. Firstfruits always have a high status in Scripture. But they also have a special role to play. Paving the way and leading the way!

Delen: