Given the prevalence of envy and rivalry in the church (see, e.g., 1 Corinthians 1:10–12; 1 Corinthians 3:3–4; 1 Corinthians 6:1; 1 Corinthians 11:21–22; 1 Corinthians 14:26–40), it is not surprising that the leadership of Stephanas and his household was not accepted by all. Yet, although these men have put themselves in roles of leadership and have not (yet) been formally appointed as elders, Paul urges the Corinthians to be subject
to these men and to all their (and the apostles’) fellow workers and labourers. (For the significance of the word labour,
see comments under 1 Corinthians 15:58.)
16 be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer.