Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

STEPHANAS

(Gk. Stephanás)

A prominent Corinthian Christian and Paul’s first convert in Achaia (1 Cor. 16:15; cf. Acts 17:34), whom he personally baptized (1 Cor. 1:16). Along with Fortunatus and Achaicus (members of his household?), Stephanas visited Paul in Ephesus as he wrote 1 Corinthians. Perhaps they provided Paul with news of the Corinthian problems or brought him the church’s letter, to which he responded (1 Cor. 7:1; cf. v. 25; 8:1; 12:1; 16:1). They may have brought all or some portion of 1 Corinthians back to that congregation. Their visit seems to have helped Paul at the outset of a difficult period with the Corinthian church (1 Cor. 16:17-18). Paul endorsed Stephanas’ authority in the congregation, because he and his household “devoted themselves to the service of the saints” (1 Cor. 16:15-16). This service, though not a formalized function, may have included teaching, preaching, or some form of patronage for the church.

Christopher Scott Langton

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

STEPHANAS

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)