Stephanas

First Convert in Achaia

The early churchLeaderServantc. 50–100 AD

Stephanas was a wealthy man from Corinth who, together with his household, was among the first to come to faith in the province of Achaia. He was baptized personally by Paul and devoted himself to serving the saints. Stephanas traveled to Paul in Ephesus to bring news from the church in Corinth.

Key events

Baptized by Paul

Stephanas and his household were among the few whom Paul personally baptized in Corinth, highlighting his special position in the church.

1 Cor 1:16 Show in context →

16I did baptize the household of Stephanas as well; beyond that, I do not recall baptizing anyone else.

ἐβάπτισα δὲ καὶ τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον· λοιπὸν οὐκ οἶδα εἴ τινα ἄλλον ἐβάπτισα.

First Converts in Achaia

Stephanas' household was the firstfruits of believers throughout the entire province of Achaia, which included southern Greece, including Corinth and Athens.

1 Cor 16:15 Show in context →

15I urge you, brothers: you know the household of Stephanas, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints.

Παρακαλῶ δὲ ὑμᾶς, ἀδελφοί· οἴδατε τὴν οἰκίαν Στεφανᾶ, ὅτι ἐστὶν ἀπαρχὴ τῆς Ἀχαΐας καὶ εἰς διακονίαν τοῖς ἁγίοις ἔταξαν ἑαυτούς·

Devoted to Serving the Saints

Stephanas and his household had made themselves available to serve the believers, and Paul urged the church to submit to such leaders.

1 Cor 16:15 Show in context →

15I urge you, brothers: you know the household of Stephanas, that they are the firstfruits of Achaia and have devoted themselves to serving the saints.

1 Cor 16:16 Show in context →

16Submit yourselves to people like these, and to everyone who works and labors alongside them.

ἵνα καὶ ὑμεῖς ὑποτάσσησθε τοῖς τοιούτοις καὶ παντὶ τῷ συνεργοῦντι καὶ κοπιῶντι.

Visit to Paul in Ephesus

Stephanas traveled with Fortunatus and Achaicus to Paul in Ephesus, bringing news and probably also questions from the church in Corinth.

1 Cor 16:17 Show in context →

17I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have come, because they have made up for your absence;

χαίρω δὲ ἐπὶ τῇ παρουσίᾳ Στεφανᾶ καὶ Φορτουνάτου καὶ Ἀχαϊκοῦ, ὅτι τὸ ⸀ὑμέτερον ὑστέρημα οὗτοι ἀνεπλήρωσαν,

1 Cor 16:18 Show in context →

18they have refreshed my spirit, and yours as well. So give recognition to such people.

ἀνέπαυσαν γὰρ τὸ ἐμὸν πνεῦμα καὶ τὸ ὑμῶν. ἐπιγινώσκετε οὖν τοὺς τοιούτους.

Encouraged Paul's Spirit

The visit from Stephanas and his companions was a great encouragement to Paul, and he recommended that the church recognize such faithful servants.