Albert Barnes Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:18

"For they refreshed my spirit and yours: acknowledge ye therefore them that are such." — 1 Corinthians 16:18 (ASV)

For they have refreshed my spirit. By their presence and conversation. They have given me information regarding the state of things in the church, and their company has been most gratifying and cheering to me.

And yours. "By removing," says Locke, "those suspicions and fears that were on both sides." By thus making up for your absence, they have benefited us both. For Paul gained information about those who were absent, and they gained from the counsel offered to them by the apostle."—Bloomfield.

"For they refreshed my spirit by their obliging behavior and edifying conversation, as, I doubt not, they have often refreshed yours by their ministrations among you."—Doddridge. The meaning seems to be that their visit to him would be a benefit to both. It would result in imparting comfort, a good understanding, an increase of their mutual attachment, and ultimately a great increase in their mutual joy when they would meet again.

Therefore acknowledge ye them that are such. Receive affectionately; recognize as brothers; cherish and treat kindly all who show such a spirit. (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 16:15).

(See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 16:16).

The apostle here evidently intends that the Corinthians should receive them kindly on their return, and regard with deference and respect the counsel they might offer and the message they might bring from him.