Paul’s Closing Remarks

I Corinthians 16:19–24
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As Paul comes to the close of his letter, he talks about some of his friends who have helped him in the ministry. Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus were part of a committee sent from Corinth to Ephesus to confer with Paul about church problems. However, these men did more than share problems; they also refreshed his spirit and brought him blessing. It is so easy for us to share only problems and burdens with our spiritual leaders and rarely share the blessings. 

Aquila and Priscilla were a husband-and-wife team, who had been expelled from Rome because Aquila was a Jew. They had come to Corinth and set up a tent-making business which was where Paul first met them (Acts 18:1-3). When Paul moved from Corinth to Ephesus, they packed their business and moved with him to assist in founding the church in that city. They were such a capable couple, that he had them oversee the ministry when he returned to Antioch.

The congregations met in private houses with rooms big enough to accommodate everyone. Wherever Aquila and Priscilla went, their home became a church. When they were in Rome, Paul sent greetings to them and the church that was in their house (Romans 16:3–5). When he wrote from Ephesus, he sent greetings from them and from the church that was in their house. Aquila and Priscilla made their home a haven of rest, and friendship. 

When Paul wrote to the saints in Rome, he greeted them (Rom. 16:3). Then in I Timothy 4:19, this remarkable couple had left Rome and were now back in Ephesus to assist Timothy. How many couples would move as often as Aquila and Priscilla, just to serve the Lord better?

Application

I would like to be known for the hospitality that Aquila and Priscilla were known for. Lord, help me to be a person who is looking for ways to help and encourage other people.