The saga of "The Secret of GOD", as shown in 1Corinthians 16:12; with a renewed mind and our victory as foretold.

Paul, is closing this letter and soon we will, the LORD willing, we will get into the meat of 2Corinthians. A letter full of good stuff. But like so many of his letters it too is violated by many a well meaning passer by. Now for Paul's finial instruction.

1Corinthians 16:12, 13-14, 15-18 "As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time.
Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.
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. I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such." (KJV)


1Corinthians 16:12, 13-14, 15-18 "Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to visit you with the other brothers, but it was not at all his will to come now. He will come when he has opportunity.
Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.
Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. 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." (ESV)

1Corinthians 16:12, 13-14, 15-18 "I strongly urged Apollos to join the team visiting you at present, but he did not feel at liberty to do so. I am sure that he will come in due time. (Apparently Apollos had left Corinth in disgust over the strife there, which involved him and Paul. He had enough of partisan strife over preaching. [Look at Acts 19:1 and 1Corinthians 1-4] )
Be wide awake and constant in your faith, courageous and invincible. Agape is your genesis. Loving everyone around you is what you are all about. (Our love for one another is awakened by GOD's love for us.)
Here is my urgent appeal to you: take the household of Stephenos as an example this family was my first fruit of Greece and have taken the initiative to position themselves in ministering to the needs of the Saints. Give yourselves in the same way to them and to everyone laboring tirelessly in team ministry. I want you to know my delight in having Stephanus, Fortunatus and Achaius here with me in Ephesus! They certainly represent you and have made up for your absence! Because of them I have such peace about you! They are a real credit to you." (The Mirror)

Next time we shall close this letter, the LORD willing. Until then be of good cheer in the LORD as he is in you.