Neville Goddard on 1 Corinthians 16:15-24 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read 1 Corinthians 16 in context

Scripture Focus

15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)

16That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth.

17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied.

18For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.

19The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

20All the brethren greet you. Greet ye one another with an holy kiss.

21The salutation of me Paul with mine own hand.

22If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Maranatha.

23The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

24My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

1 Corinthians 16:15-24

Biblical Context

Paul praises Stephanas and the others who have devoted themselves to the saints' ministry, and urges the Corinthians to submit to such labor and to those who labor with them. The letter closes with greetings, grace, and love, signaling that true fellowship is an inner act of care and unity.

Neville's Inner Vision

Viewed through Neville's lens, these lines become a map of inner states rather than external people. The 'house of Stephanas' is your own inner dwelling where the firstfruits of awareness sprout—those steadfast commitments to the ministry of the saints, to acts of grace within and toward others. To 'submit yourselves unto such' is to align your mind with those inner laborers, consenting to a vibration that labors on your behalf in the unseen. The welcome of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus marks the arrival of supportive thoughts and feelings that supply what lacked in your current state, refreshing your spirit and yours in the process. The greetings and the kiss symbolize the communion of your heart with the whole of life in God. The grace phrase is the ongoing energy, the living companionship of love that accompanies your practice; stay in that stream, and unity and joy will manifest.

Practice This Now

Imaginative Act: Assume you are already within the 'house of Stephanas' in your mind; revise any lack by affirming, 'Grace supplies what is lacking,' and feel the refreshment of spirit flowing through you as you greet others with genuine inner warmth.