1 Corinthians 16:17-18

Stephanus had recently visited Paul in Ephesus with the two other Corinthian brothers the apostle named. They may have carried the questions Paul answered in this letter as well as information about conditions in the church. Travelers carried all mail except government business in the ancient biblical world. [Note: Keener, 1-2 Corinthians, p. 140.] These people had all ministered refreshingly to Paul, as they typically did in Corinth. Paul wanted the Corinthians to be sure to recognize them too.