1 Corinthians 16:16

That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

EXPOSITORY (ENGLISH BIBLE)

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

16:13-18 A Christian is always in danger, therefore should ever be on the watch. He should be fixed in the faith of the gospel, and never desert or give it up. By this faith alone he will be able to keep his ground in an hour of temptation. Christians should be careful that charity not only reigns in their hearts, but shines in their lives. There is a great difference between Christian firmness and feverish warmth and transport. The apostle gave particular directions as to some who served the cause of Christ among them. Those who serve the saints, those who desire the honour of the churches, and to remove reproaches from them, are to be thought much of, and loved. They should willingly acknowledge the worth of such, and all who laboured with or helped the apostle.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

That ye submit yourselves ... - The word used here means evidently that you would show them proper deference and regard; that you would treat them with distinguished respect and honor for what they have done.

And to everyone that helpeth with us ... - Everyone who aids us in the ministry, or provides for our needs, etc. It is possible that Stephanas lived among them at this time (Note, 1 Corinthians 1:16), though he had been converted in Achaia; and it is probable that, as Corinth was a central place and a thoroughfare, others might come among them who were the personal friends of Paul, and who had aided him in the ministry. Towards all such he bespeaks their kind, and tender, and respectful regards.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

16. That ye—Translate, "That ye also," namely, in your turn … in return for their self-devotion [Alford].

helpeth with—them.

laboureth—by himself.

Matthew Poole's Commentary

He adviseth them to reverence him, and all such as were helpers and labourers of that nature, and wrought with the apostles in the work of the gospel.

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

That ye submit yourselves to such,.... To persons of such a character, and in such an office; if in ministering to poor saints, by assisting them, and by putting into their hands; and putting it in their power to discharge their work fully, in which they were so heartily concerned; and if in the work of the ministry of the word, by attending their ministrations, receiving the truths delivered by them with faith and love, so far as they appeared to be agreeably to the word of God; hearkening to their admonitions, counsels and advice, regarding their censures and reproofs by the authority of the church, and in their name, and by subjection to the laws of Christ's house, as put in execution by them, see Hebrews 13:17,

and to everyone that helpeth with us; in any form, whether by relieving the poor, or by preaching the Gospel:

and laboureth; in the Lord's vineyard, in the word and doctrine, for the good of souls, and the glory of Christ: for such are worthy of double honour, and ought to be valued and esteemed for their works' sake, and submitted to in everything that is according to the rules of the Gospel.

Geneva Study Bible

That ye {i} submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

(i) That you honour and revere them, be obedient to them, and be content to be ruled by them, as you properly should, seeing that they have bestowed themselves and their goods, and this to help you with them.

EXEGETICAL (ORIGINAL LANGUAGES)

Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges

16. that ye submit yourselves] See Ephesians 5:21; 1 Peter 5:5.

helpeth with us] There is no us in the original. A general assistance in the work of the Church seems to be what is meant by the Apostle. Some would connect it with ‘such,’ and regard it as a direction to be willing to submit to the authority of all who were willing to work with the household of Stephanas.

and laboureth] The Greek word implies toil, i.e. the exertion which labour entails.

Bengel's Gnomen

1 Corinthians 16:16. Καὶ, ye also) in turn.—ὑποτάσσησθε, ye submit yourselves) corresponding to ἔταξαν, they addicted themselves.—συνεργοῦντι, [that helpeth with] that worketh with) others.—κοπιῶντι, that laboureth) by themselves.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - That ye submit yourselves unto such. Slaves though they may be in earthly rank, recognize their Christian authority as good men and women (see Ephesians 5:21; 1 Timothy 5:17). The verb used for" submit yourselves," or, "set yourselves under," is the same as in the previous verse. 1 Corinthians 16:16