“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 household of Stephanas was an integral part of the congregation at Corinth. Paul stated earlier in this letter to Corinth, “And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other” ((1 Cor. 16:16). This man and his family were very active in the local congregation. Such would go a long way toward their faithfulness to the Lord through their serving. Being invested in one’s local congregation is a great need for the promotion of the longevity of the life of the church in any geographical area. An eldership is thrilled to see people taking their local congregation seriously. Consider three general things concerning, as Paul stated “every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth” (1 Cor. 16:16).
1. Identifying Oneself with the Congregation. Paul said of Aquila and Priscilla, “The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house” (1 Cor. 16:19). While the brotherhood is greater than one congregation and Aquila and Priscilla were known to work for the cause of Christ in different places, here is a point of reference that in Ephesus there was a congregation meeting in the home of Aquila and Priscilla. The Bible clearly teaches that the church is both all Christians everywhere (cf. Rom. 16:16) as well as any group of Christians in a geographic location (cf. 1 Cor. 1:2). Elders are only elders over the local congregation where they reside (cf. Acts 14:23). Therefore, it is important that elders know who are the ones in the congregation where they oversee and work that come under their care. Acts 20:28-32 shows that local congregations are divinely ordained of God. While all who are baptized are added to the church (cf. Acts 2:41), being identified with the local congregation in Jerusalem (cf. Acts 8:1) was also stressed as the cause of Christ would spread to other regions as well.
2. Involvement in the Work. Paul said of the house of Stephanas “they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Cor. 16:15). Would that all had such a spirit and service! Getting involved in the local work greatly enhances faithfulness to the Lord and fruitfulness in the labor of the Lord. Having a vested interest in the local congregation commits the heart and soul to the work. Those who are the busiest in the local work tend not to be complacent or complaining about the work.
3. Influencing for Good. When people see how involved people are in their local congregation, they know that the Lord and his church is important to them. Such an influence shines bright before those within and without. When brethren in the Jerusalem congregation were threatened and abused for doing right, they prayed, “And now, Lord, behold their threatenings: and grant unto thy servants, that with all boldness they may speak thy word” (Acts 4:29). The power to overcome evil with good is a true mark of greatness. One can do no better than to encourage the cause of Christ in every location.
Jimmy Clark