12 As for our brother Apollos, I have urgently encouraged him to visit you with the other brethren, but it was not at all his will or 1 God's will that he should go now. He will come when he has opportunity.
13 Be alert and on your guard; stand firm in your faith ( 2 your conviction respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, keeping the trust and holy fervor born of faith and a part of it). Act like men and be courageous; grow in strength! 14 Let everything you do be done in love (true love to God and man as inspired by God's love for us).
15 Now, brethren, you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts and our firstfruits in Achaia (most of Greece), and how they have consecrated and devoted themselves to the service of the saints (God's people). 16 I urge you to pay all deference to such leaders and to enlist under them and be subject to them, as well as to everyone who joins and cooperates [with you] and labors earnestly. 17 I am happy because Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus have come [to me], for they have made up for your absence. 18 For they gave me 3 respite from labor and rested me and refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Deeply appreciate and thoroughly know and fully recognize such men.