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Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such people. (1Cor. 16:17-18).
Paul mentions these three disciples by name. Outside of this we know nothing about these men. Where did they come from? How were they converted? Were they old men or young? We know ONLY that they refreshed the spirit of Paul.
One doesn’t have to be famous to be of service to God. These three were an encouragement to Paul. Even the great apostle Paul was not a ‘one man army’ but needed and appreciated the fellowship of men like these.
I like Paul’s simple statement: “Give recognition to such people”. We freely seem to give support to those who are in public situation. We give accolades to preachers, we compliment song leaders, we speak well of good elders and teachers. We often forget that in doing these things WE are doing a great work. This is NOT a small thing! Discouragement will defeat even the greatest and most popular teacher. With the refreshment of close friends and encouraging brethren such discouragement can be overcome.
Let me encourage you to develop the habit of being a refreshing spirit and an encouraging brother. If you are always complaining, grumbling, quarreling, and causing problems you become the basis of discouragement. No one needs that in their life. That is like giving salt water to a thirsty man. Instead, learn to refresh those who are tired and worn down.
One way of developing this ability to be a refreshing person is to make a habit of writing encouraging letters to the preachers that we support. The reason we are supporting them is that they are in small difficult works. Make yourself a pen pal to these men. Get to know their work and put yourself into a position of being able to know when they need to be encouraged. Such will be greatly appreciated.
Hugh DeLong
