Stephanas was a Christian who lived in Corinth, Greece. There are not many verses in the Bible about Stephanas. There are more verses about things he did.
In 1 Corinthians 1:16 we learn that Paul baptized Stephanas. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 16:15 we learn that he was “the first-fruit of Achaia.” This means that he was the first person baptized in that part of the world.
Corinth was a very large city which was a trading center in that region. The people who lived there were very wicked. They worshipped many different gods. However, their worship was many times a drunken party with great immodesty and sins of all kinds.
Paul tried to preach to the Jews in the city but they would not listen. So, he started preaching to the Gentiles. Evidently, Stephanas was a very honest thinking individual who listened carefully to what Paul had to say. Stephanas believed Paul when he said that Jesus is the Son of God. He believed that Jesus died for our sins and he believed that Jesus was raised from the dead and lives in heaven.
We read in 1 Corinthians 1:14-15 that Paul did not baptize many himself because he did not want people thinking he was trying to get people to just follow his words. So, we must assume that Stephanas baptized others. In fact, he may very well have baptized his own relatives since in 1 Corinthians 16:15 we find that his household were all Christians.
Another thing we learn about Stephanas is that he loved to do things for other Christians. In chapter 16, verse 15 it says he set himself to ministering to the saints. In verse 17, we learn that he had even traveled to take help to Paul.
Further, we learn in verse 16 that Stephanas worked hard for the Lord. He is called a laborer. Stephanas was always looking for something he could do for God.
Stephanas is not a well-known name among Bible characters, but Stephanas was a great man. He was willing to listen to the Gospel. He was willing to obey the Gospel. He was willing to teach others the Gospel. He was willing to help other Christians. He was willing to work hard for God.
Are you like Stephanas? We should all be like him. From now on, be like Stephanas. If you will do that, God will be very pleased with you.
