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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadCambridge Greek Testament for Schools and Colleges - 1 Corinthians 16:16 - 16:16
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16. ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις. The duty of mutual submission is frequently recommended in Scripture. But inasmuch as in every community there must be those who are entitled to lead, as well as those whose duty it is to follow, it may not be amiss to notice the kind of persons to whom St Paul inculcates submission. They were (1) disciples of long standing (the ‘first-fruits of Achaia,’ 1Co 16:15), (2) they had devoted themselves to the task of ministering to the saints. Every one who took his share in such labour and toil was deserving of the respect and deference of the brethren. See also Eph 5:21; 1Pe 5:5. ἴνα may either be expressive of purpose or result, according as we take οἴδατε as imperative or indicative. ‘Know the house of Stephanas … in order that ye may be subject to such,’ or ‘I beseech you, since ye know the house of Stephanas, that ye would be subject.’
συνεργοῦντι. There is no us as in A.V. 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.
κοπιῶντι. The word implies toil, i.e. the exertion which labour entails.