John Calvin Commentary 1 Corinthians 16:15

"Now I beseech you, brethren (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves to minister unto the saints)," — 1 Corinthians 16:15 (ASV)

You know the house of Stephanas. We know from daily experience how advantageous it is for those whom God has adorned with the most distinguished gifts to have the highest authority. Accordingly, if we wish to secure the welfare of the Church, let us always take care that honor is conferred upon the good: let their counsels have the greatest weight, let others give way to them, and allow themselves to be governed by their prudence. Paul does this in this instance when he admonishes the Corinthians to show respect to the house of Stephanas. Some manuscripts add, and Fortunatus. For God manifests himself to us when he shows us the gifts of his Spirit. Therefore, if we are not to appear as despisers of God, let us voluntarily submit ourselves to those on whom God has conferred superior gifts.

Now, so that they may be more inclined to honor that house (for as to the other, it appears to me to be, in this place at least, a spurious addition), he reminds them that they were the first-fruits of Achaia; that is, the household of Stephanas was the first to embrace the gospel.

Indeed, it is not as if the first in order of time are in every case superior to others; but where there is perseverance along with this, honor is rightly conferred upon those who have, in a way, paved the way for the gospel by their promptness in faith. However, it must be observed that he dignifies with this honorable title those who had consecrated their services and resources to believers.

For the same reason, a little later he commends Fortunatus and Achaicus, so that in proportion to a man’s superior excellence, he might be held in greater esteem, enabling him to do more good. Furthermore, so that the Corinthians may be more disposed to love them, he says that what had been lacking on the part of their entire Church had been compensated for by their services on their behalf.