Today's Verse: ¹⁵ You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, ¹⁶ to submit to such as these and to everyone who joins in the work, and labors at it.

The Holy Bible : New International Version. electronic ed. Grand Rapids : Zondervan, 1996, c1984, S. 1 Co 16:15-16
As Paul gave his final instructions to the Church in Corinth, he urged those members to submit to those who are examples and have dedicated themselves to God's service.

Today's Comments: This whole bit of advice sounds like the kind of people that deacons should be. Deacons are devoted to the service of the saints. Who are the saints? Paul is not talking about those who are sitting up in heaven; he is talking about the church here on Earth. God created the church for a reason. And he created deacons for special service in the church. Those who say that they don't need a church to worship in are clearly wrong. Without the church, there is no ministry. We don't have that relationship with both God and our neighbor at the same time. The church, right or wrong, is Christ's bride whom He loves. And when she strays, He corrects her. And when she is repentent, He reconciles with her. Let us fall on our kness and pray for healing and reconciliation between God and man, through His one and only bride, the church.