16:15–18 This passage commends “Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus,” who probably had carried the letter from the church in Corinth. Paul’s emphasis (especially in the words “I urge you, brothers . . . be subject”) suggests that these men, Stephanas in particular, were appointed leaders but did not enjoy proper respect from the congregation. The phrase “for your absence” does not necessarily imply a criticism (the Greek at the end of Phil. 2:30 is almost identical), but here it may suggest that the church as a whole failed to refresh his spirit.