Blessed Hope Bible-Presbyterian Church
500 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 678106
William MacDonald observed well, “The churches of Asia refers to the congregations in the province of Asia (Asia Minor today), of which Ephesus was the capital.” Christian greetings conveying love and fellowship in the Lord.
The Apostle Paul received much joy in the fellowship of three from the church in Corinth who brought refreshing to him by their coming. He urged the church in Corinth to acknowledge the good work that they have wrought to strengthen himself and brought his greetings and prayers through them to the church in Corinth.
William MacDonald observed insightfully, “The coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus had brought joy to Paul’s heart. They supplied what was lacking on the part of the Corinthians.”
William MacDonald said well, “The apostle exhorts the Christians to submit to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labours.”
The household of Stephanas, the earliest converts in Achaia, addicted themselves to serve the people of God. The word “ministry” means “service”. Their service toward the people of God permeated the spirit of God’s love in the hearts of many. The church gained its strength for outreach because of the zeal and love of these founding members of the church there.
Charity is the outworking of God’s love in the believer’s life. When we come to the faith, the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. It enables us to love God and love our fellow men. This love is unconditional and sacrificial. It is supernaturally given by God in the hearts of His people.
The church is Corinth is exhorted to be watchful, for their soul’s sake, for their spiritual well-being. They are exhorted to stand fast, to keep up in building themselves up spiritually. The spiritual enemies are lurking at the doors – the flesh, the world, and the devil. Three commands here – watch, stand fast and becoming strong. Build these spiritual habits!
The Apostle Paul has also requested that Apollos be sent to visit and minister to the church in Corinth. Observed William MacDonald, “Apollos did not feel that this was God’s will for him at the time, but he indicated that he would go to Corinth when he had the opportunity.”
The Apostle Paul is speaking with foresight and seeks to calibrate with the church of Corinth concerning how God’s servant, Timothy, is to be treated. “To despise” is as treating someone as of no account despise, disdain, make light of, making someone as of no account disregard, reject, despise. As such, he sought to ensure that God’s work progress unhindered and God’s servant be accorded due respect and honour for the work’s sake.
The Apostle Paul has planned to send Timothy to serve in the church in Corinth. He gives his recommendation that the church would receive him hospitably as they would have received him, to allay his fears. He is able to do the work of ministering to their spiritual needs. Timothy was trained by the Apostle Paul with God’s help and therefore was able to stand in the gap when the Apostle Paul, was in prison and could not visit them.