I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

1 CORINTHIANS 16:17KJV
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1 Corinthians 16:17 (KJV)

What does 1 Corinthians 16:17 mean?

In 1 Corinthians 16:17, Paul expresses his joy that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come to him. Their visit has supplied something Paul was missing because the people he is writing to in Corinth were not with him.

The phrase “that which was lacking on your part” can sound like a complaint, but Paul is recognizing what the three visitors have provided. The next verse points to the encouragement they brought, saying that they refreshed Paul’s spirit and the Corinthians’ spirit.

The Greek behind 1 Corinthians 16:17

  • “coming” — παρουσία (parousia): This word can carry the sense of arrival or presence. Paul’s joy is tied to having these three people with him.
  • “supplied” — ἀναπληρόω (anaplēroō): This word can mean to fill up or make up what is missing. Here it pictures the visitors making up for a lack connected with the Corinthians.

Why 1 Corinthians 16:17 matters

  • Paul’s words do not have to mean that he is accusing the Corinthians of neglect. His mention of what was “lacking” sits alongside his gladness at the visitors’ arrival.
  • The visitors’ contribution was personal, not merely a delivery of goods. In verse 18, Paul says they “refreshed my spirit and yours,” pointing to the effect they had on people.

Where else these words appear

“Fortunatus” Greek G5415 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

“Achaicus” Greek G883 · used in 2 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

“Stephanas” Greek G4734 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 1:16 And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
  • 1 Corinthians 16:15 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,)
  • 1 Corinthians 16:24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen. The first epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi by Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus and Timotheus.

“supplied” Greek G378 · used in 6 verses

  • Matthew 13:14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
  • 1 Corinthians 14:16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?
  • Philippians 2:30 Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.