Qualifications for Leadership
October 2, 2020
Commentary
Paul begins a series of closing remarks, exhortations, challenges, and greetings. Faith, conviction, courage, and love are essential ingredients for success and victory. As the Corinthians wait for Paul’s next visit, he exhorts them to a fivefold commitment:
1. “Watch ye” – Be alert! Be on your guard! (v. 13).
2. “Stand fast in the faith” – Have mature stability (v. 13).
3. “Quit you like men” – Act like men, not children (v. 13).
4. “Be strong” – Not physically, but spiritually (v. 13).
5. “Let all things be done with charity” – Love (v. 14).
Stephanas and his family were the first people to be won to Christ in Achaia. They became important leaders in the church, for they committed themselves to the service of Christ. Whenever they saw a need, they went to work to meet it without needing to be asked. They were Paul’s helpers and labored with him faithfully in the church. One primary qualification for leadership in the church is a willingness to serve.
The holy kiss (cf. 2 Cor. 13:12; Rom. 16:16; 1 Thes. 5:25; 1 Peter 5:14) was an expression of the love, forgiveness, and unity which should exist among Christians. This kiss of peace was a lovely custom of the early Church. It may have been a Jewish custom which the early Church took over. It was apparently given at the end of the prayers and just before the congregation partook of the sacrament. It was the sign and symbol that they sat at the table of love joined in perfect love.
Application
As a Christian, I need to remember that true manliness does not do away with tenderness and love for the Lord and other people.
1 Corinthians 16:13– 18 (NET)
13 Stay alert, stand firm in the faith, show courage, be strong. 14 Everything you do should be done in love.
15 Now, brothers and sisters, you know about the household of Stephanus, that as the first converts of Achaia, they devoted themselves to ministry for the saints. I urge you 16 also to submit to people like this, and to everyone who cooperates in the work and labors hard. 17 I was glad about the arrival of Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus because they have supplied the fellowship with you that I lacked. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. So then, recognize people like this.