BEN F. VICK, JR.
In Paul’s closing remarks of his first letter to the church at Corinth, he made mention of a specific family: “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.” (1 Cor,16:15–16.) This family was the first converts in Achaia, which indicates their ready acceptance of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Though Paul baptized very few, he did baptize Stephanas' household (1 Cor. 1: 16). What encouragement they must have been to Paul!
When baptized, they did not just sit, but they served. And serve they did! We are told that they “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints.” “Addicted” translates a Greek word (τάσσω) which means “to do something with devotion, with the possible implication of systematic, regular activity – ‘to do with devotion, to give oneself to.’” (Louw-Nida, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament.) They were constantly devoted to serving the saints. We have some like that here at Shelbyville Road church of Christ. They are continually helping others. It might be taking someone to the doctor, visiting the sick or the shut-ins, sending cards, making phone calls, providing a meal for those in bereavement, helping to repair a car, or power washing a widow's back deck. They are not sitting back, watching others. It is not about them, but others. They are serving others.
Matthew depicts the judgment scene when the Son of Man shall come in his glory to sit upon his throne to judge all. He will separate us as the shepherd divides the sheep from the goats. The righteous he will put on his right hand and the wicked on the left. To the righteous who had cared for him when he was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, sick, and in prison, he will say, “Come ye, blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” They will ask when did we do that for you. Then the King “shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” (Matt. 25:40.)
Are you addicted to serving others?