Bible Dictionary
Stephanas
Stephanas was a Christian believer in Corinth whose household was among the first converted in Achaia and baptized by Paul. He and his household devoted themselves to serving the saints.
Definition
Stephanas was a Christian of Corinth whose household was among the first family groups won to Christ in Achaia. Paul baptized him and his household, and the household devoted itself to ministering to the saints.
Biblical Usage
Paul names Stephanas among the few whom he personally baptized and calls his household the first-fruits of Achaia. He also commends their Christian service and urges the Corinthians to recognize and respect their work among believers.
Historical Background
Stephanas and other Corinthian representatives brought information from the church to Paul. Their service may have included assistance to the churches, hospitality, communication, and support of Christian fellowship.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Crown, a member of the church at Corinth, whose family were among those the apostle had baptized (1 Cor. 1:16; 16:15, 17). He has been supposed by some to have been the “jailer of Philippi” (comp. Acts 16:33). The First Epistle to the Corinthians was written from Philippi some six years after the jailer’s conversion, and he was with the apostle there at that time.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a Christian convert of Corinth whose household Paul baptized as the “first-fruits of Achaia.” (1 Corinthians 1:16; 16:15) (A.D. 53.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>stef'-a-nas (Stephanas): The name occurs only in 1Co 1:16; 16:15-18. Stephanas was a Christian of Corinth; his household is mentioned in 1Co 16:15 as the first family won to Christ in Achaia, and in 1Co 1:16 as among the few personally baptized by Paul at Corinth. The "house of Stephanas," apparently of independent means, had "set themselves to minister unto the saints" (1Co 16:15), i.e. to do Christian service. Possibly this service consisted in putting their house at the disposal of the Christians at Corinth for worshipping, or in rendering special assistance in establishing intercommunication between the Corinthian church and the apostle, or the other churches. An instance of such service was the commission of Stephanas at Ephesus referred to in 1Co 16:17,18. At the occasion of some disorders in the Corinthian church Stephanas, with Fortunatus and Achaicus in the deputation, brought a letter of the Corinthians to Paul. Our present 1 Corinthians is the reply to this letter, and thus, in all probability, the three men mentioned above were the bearers of this epistle. With fine courtesy Paul expresses his appreciation for this service in 1Co 16:18, referring to it as a cherished opportunity of fellowship with his beloved Corinthians through these representatives. It is in consideration of such Christian service that Paul enjoins upon the Corinthians to show the house of Stephanas that respect and deference due to Christian leaders by willingly submitting to their direction.</p><p>S. D. Press</p>