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,) (KJV)

Then: Paul likes to end his letters according to the custom. He gives greetings to specific people and also includes greetings from some of the people with him in Ephesus. Stephanas, along with Fortunatus, and Achaicus who are mentioned in the next verses are the ones who carry the letter to the Corinthians (Baker, p. 245). They also got to read it aloud and answer questions. By "first fruits," Paul means Stephanas became an early believer during Paul's ministry in Achaia, land area in and around Corinth. Baker (p. 246) reminds readers thatPaul baptized this household (1 Corinthians 1:16).

Now: We don't spend much time looking at Greece and the location of Corinth. A map shows how easy (by 1st century standards) it was to get to Corinth. Paul could expect speedy delivery. Those who brought the letter needed an extra kind of hospitality. Paul is indirectly asking the Corinthians to draw the letter carriers into mutual fellowship, forget their party allegiances and submit to them as they do to other believers because they are fellow servants. Today's churches host college teams, visiting ministers, traveling missionaries and other servants of the Lord. By helping with lodging and meals congregations have a chance to speak and learn from the visitors at the same time they serve Christ. Normally, there aren't any underlying tensions, but occasional, through the imperfections of humanity, similar situations exist.

Extra Source: Cornerstone Biblical Commentary 1 Corinthians (William Baker), 2 Corinthians (Ralph Martin & Carl Toney), ed. by Philip Comfort. Carol Stream: Tyndale House Publishers, c2006.