1 Corinthians 16:15-16 KJV Equals

1 Corinthians 16:15-16 (KJV)
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.

Apostle Paul had a team that worked with him in his church planting ministry. I think sometimes we forget that or at least don’t give it the serious consideration we should. Very surely, the reason he was able to accomplish so much in his lifetime is due in large measure to his team.

The team was a dynamic and fluid group.

• They all apparently traveled with him at times but it doesn’t appear to me that any of them, with the exception of Barnabas and later Silas, traveled with him all the time.
• They would sometimes be sent ahead to prepare for his arrival. 
• They would frequently be left behind to further establish the work that was begun. 
• They would travel separate from Paul as couriers of the many pieces of correspondence Paul wrote

The key to this passage is that Paul wanted those he had led to Christ to submit to members of his team as they would submit to him. They were of equal authority to the Apostle. Though they were not apostles and though we seldom hear their names, Paul viewed them as equal.

The Pastor’s staff is just that; his staff. A church only has one pastor. The others are extensions of his ministry. Every staff member should be treated with the same authority and respect given to the pastor.

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1 Corinthians 16:15-16 KJV Equals

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