Stephanas
“Crowned (contracted from the Latin Stephanatus)”
Summary
A Christian of Corinth whose household was the first converted in Achaia and whom Paul personally baptized.
☩The First Converts of Achaia
Stephanas was among the few Corinthians whom Paul personally baptized, as Paul usually left baptizing to his helpers. His household is described as 'the firstfruits of Achaia'—the first family won to Christ in that region. The baptism of an entire household marked a significant foothold for Christianity in Corinth.
☩Ministry to the Saints
The household of Stephanas 'addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,' devoting themselves to Christian service. This service may have included hosting the church in their home, assisting communication between churches, or providing for the temporal needs of fellow believers. Their voluntary dedication serves as a model of lay ministry.
☩Deputation to Paul
When disorders arose in the Corinthian church, Stephanas was among the delegation—along with Fortunatus and Achaicus—who brought a letter to Paul at Ephesus. Paul urged the Corinthians to acknowledge and honor such faithful workers who had refreshed his spirit as representatives of the church. Our present letter of 1 Corinthians was Paul's response to the questions they brought.
References
- 1.James Hastings (ed.), "Stephanas," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Stephanas," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Stephanas," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).