Stephanas

Stephanas is a Corinthian Christian whose household Paul baptized personally and whose family Paul singles out at the close of 1 Corinthians as the first converts of Achaia. The references are few but mutually reinforcing.

Baptized by Paul

In the opening argument of 1 Corinthians, where Paul minimizes his own baptizing in Corinth to deflect partisan attachment, Stephanas surfaces as one of the few exceptions: "And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I don't know whether I baptized any other" (1Co 1:16). The household — not just Stephanas the head — is named.

First Fruits of Achaia

At the letter's close, Paul circles back to that household with a request for the church's deference: "Now I urge you⁺, brothers (you⁺ know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves in service to the saints), that you⁺ also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors" (1Co 16:15-16). Two claims are made for them: chronological priority in the region's conversion, and self-assigned service to the saints. Paul asks the Corinthians to be in subjection to people of that pattern.

Among Paul's Visitors

Stephanas is also one of three Corinthian visitors who came to Paul as the letter was being composed: "And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your⁺ part they supplied" (1Co 16:17). What the church at Corinth could not supply — presumably contact and information — these three made up for in person.