18, 19. (a) How did Paul express his appreciation for his fellow workers? (b) What example shows that Paul did not harbor resentment against his brothers?

¹⁸ In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul wrote: “Now I exhort you, brothers: you know that the household of Stephanas is the firstfruits of Achaia and that they set themselves to minister to the holy ones. May you also keep submitting yourselves to persons of that kind and to everyone cooperating and laboring. But I rejoice over the presence of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your not being here. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore recognize men of that sort.”​—1 Corinthians 16:15-18.

¹⁹ What a fine, generous attitude Paul had toward his brothers, some of whom were not widely known. But Paul loved them because they were “cooperating” and “laboring” hard in their efforts to minister to the holy ones.

20. How should Christians in general, and elders in particular, show that they appreciate faithful overseers and that they “keep holding men of that sort dear”?

²⁰ Today among God’s people, there are many devoted overseers who, like Stephanas, are ministering to their brothers. To be sure, they have their faults and failings. Nevertheless, they are “cooperating” with “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body, and “laboring” hard in the preaching work and in helping their brothers. We should ‘keep submitting ourselves to persons of that kind,’ appreciating them for their qualities, not seeking out their shortcomings. Elders should take the lead in showing due appreciation and respect for their fellow elders. Elders ought to cooperate with one another in a spirit of love and unity. All will recognize the value of such faithful brothers and “keep holding men of that sort dear.”​—Philippians 2:29.