STEPHANAS stĕf’ ə nəs (Στεφανᾶς, G5107, crown). A Corinthian Christian who, with his household, was one of the few persons baptized personally by the Apostle Paul in Corinth (1 Cor 1:16). While he heartily endorsed baptism, Paul is thankful that he did not baptize more than these lest a decisive and “superior” Pauline party develop in the church (1 Cor 1:10-15).

The household of Stephanas were the first converts to Christianity in Achaia (1 Cor 16:15). Paul commends them for devoted service to the Christians in and near Corinth and urges the Corinthian Christians to be subject to such men for in promoting the well-being of the churches they were co-laborers with Paul. To have “addicted” themselves “to the ministry of the saints” may have included the opening of their home for hospitality and Christian worship. Paul rejoiced and his spirit was lifted by the visit of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus while he was in Ephesus and asked that recognition be given them (16:17, 18).