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. Give recognition to such people. (I Corinthians 16: 17, 18 ESV)
Names
Who were Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus? We do not really know. They are some folk that Paul and the Corinthians knew. And Paul showed he knew them by recognizing them. I imagine that they felt pretty good in the coming years, when they saw their names at the end of Paul’s letters, that already then were a part of God’s written Word.
Recently, I was able to be involved in the production of a film. And it was pretty fun. But for me, one of the best parts was watching the credits, where my name was listed in cast, crew, and even my land. It felt good to be recognized.
Christians, like Stephanus, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, are recognized by God! He knows your name, He knows who you are, and He knows you.
Individual Christians are not merely part of a group. We each matter to Him. He loves His church, and He loves each of us in her. Paul knew those three names, and demonstrates that. God knows our names and will demonstrate it throughout eternity.
We are peculiar, God knows our names.