Now, brothers and sisters, you know that members of the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints; I urge you to put yourselves at the service of such people, and of everyone who works and toils with them. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence; for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. So give recognition to such people. (1Corinthians 16: 15-18)

Stephanas was earlier referenced as one of the few at Corinth who Paul had personally baptized. He has almost certainly traveled from Corinth to Ephesus to put before Paul many of the issues addressed in this letter.

The relationship between Paul and Stephanas is of several years standing. But they had been separated for most of that time. Now he arrives in Ephesus with two others (and Sosthenes as well?) bringing problems.

Despite the problems, this delegation has spiritually refreshed Paul. Sometimes dealing with problems - forthrightly and reasonably - can be renewing. It is the unresolved or unrecognized problem that saps our energy.

How do we deal productively and positively with problems? We should be alert to them. Don't deny them. Have confidence in your ability to resolve them. Take action, don't just talk. Be courageous.

But mostly practice self-giving love. How can you make the first, second, and third contributions to solving the problem? How can love for others serve to transform and even transcend the problem?