It may be that Stephanas’ household included Fortunatus (Latin for “Lucky”) and Achaicus (name of the province), both names are frequently found among slaves. Did Stephanus own these men as slaves, but they also became brothers and served together?2. The reason, v.18a3. The implication, v.18bThe Corinthians had difficulties with leadership issues in the church. Paul is telling them to listen to their worthy leaders.F. Personal greetings and benediction, vv.19-241. Greeting from the churches (and Christians) in Western Asia, including Aquila and Priscilla, vv.19-20This Jewish couple, natives of Pontus, was co-workers with Paul in Corinth (Acts 18:1-19:1), having met him in the tent making trade; they taught Apollos to understand the gospel. Apparently prosperous financially, they had a home that was large enough for a church to assemble in it. Paul met them in Corinth (Acts 18:1-3), having come from Italy, and they joined him in Ephesus. Later they when to Rome where they had a house church (Rom. 16:3-5) but subsequently returned to Ephesus (II Tim. 4:19).In this verse and Acts 18:2, Aquila is named before his wife. In the four other instances of naming this couple Pricilla (Prisca) is named first (Acts18: 18, 26; Rom 16:3; II Tim.4:19). Little can be made of the order either way.Greeting with a kiss is mention five times in the Greek Scriptures; it seems to have been a cultural carryover from Judaism. It is “holy” because it is to be shared among the saints and it is one (“a”). Later in the church, it became part of the liturgy of the Lord’s Supper at its commencement as a symbol of unity.2. Greeting from Paul himself, v.21The apostle did not write his letter, using a secretary instead, but he did often add a postscript in his own hand. He may have suffered from eye difficulties cramping his abilities to write.3. A stern warning of judgment, v.22aThe warning or cursing here is for those who have “no” love. Paul uses the same word in Gal. 1:8-9 of those who reject the gospel (see also II Thess. 3:14-15). This cannot be a reference to Christians. Christians may have low degrees of love, but they are never devoid of it.4. An earnest prayer, v.22b“Maranatha” is an Aramaic term that was used widely in Aramaic-speaking Palestine and carried without translation into the Greek language. The earliest Christians lived in the expectancy of the Lord’s return.5. A divine blessing stated, v.23It is interesting that in the salutation beginning the letter and at its conclusion, the words are the same, “Grace to you.” It is the word that captures most poignantly what God has done and will do for His people in the Lord Jesus Christ.6. A personal blessing stated, v.24“Amen” is attested in the majority of ancient manuscripts, but scribes, copyists, routinely added it to NT books because a few had this ending (Rom.16: 27, Gal.6: 18, Jude 25).