Lexical Summary Parmenas: Parmenas Original Word: Παρμενᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Parmenas. Probably by contraction for Parmenides (a derivative of a compound of para and meno); constant; Parmenas, a Christian -- Parmenas. see GREEK para see GREEK meno NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably a contr. for Parmenidés (from a comp. of para and menó) or a similar name Definition "constant," Parmenas, a Christian NASB Translation Parmenas (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3937: ΠαρμενᾶςΠαρμενᾶς (probably contracted from Παρμενιδης 'steadfast'; cf. Winer's Grammar, 103 (97)), accusative Παρμενᾶν (cf. Buttmann, 20 (18)), ὁ, Parmenas, one of the seven deacons of the primitive church at Jerusalem: Acts 6:5. Topical Lexicon Overview Parmenas stands among the earliest named servants of the apostolic church. Although mentioned only once in the New Testament, his appointment as one of the Seven in Jerusalem situates him at a decisive moment when the infant church organized itself to meet both spiritual and practical needs. Scriptural Occurrence Acts 6:5 records his selection: “They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, together with Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch”. Historical Context 1. Rapid growth after Pentecost (Acts 2–5) produced logistical strain, especially in the daily distribution of food to Hellenistic widows. Role in Early Church • Service: Parmenas helped administer charitable relief, embodying the principle that physical service is integral to gospel witness (cf. James 2:15-17). The Name and Its Implications The name is related to the idea of “remaining” or “being steadfast.” While lexical meaning cannot by itself establish character, Luke’s concise portrait allows readers to associate Parmenas with faithful perseverance—an attribute repeatedly commended in Scripture (Hebrews 10:36). Lessons in Ministry 1. Availability over prominence: Parmenas is remembered not for sermons or miracles but for reliability in mundane tasks (Luke 16:10). Later Tradition Early church writers such as Hippolytus list Parmenas among the Seventy disciples and claim he evangelized in Asia Minor before suffering martyrdom at Philippi under Trajan. While not canonical, these traditions attest the early church’s high regard for him. Intercanonical and Theological Implications • Servant leadership modeled by Parmenas echoes Christ’s teaching in Mark 10:45. Key Themes for Study Stewardship of resources – Acts 6:1-7; 2 Corinthians 8–9 Unity across cultural lines – Acts 15:1-21; Galatians 2:11-14 Qualifications for practical ministry – 1 Timothy 3:8-13; Titus 1:7-9 Suffering in service – Acts 14:22; 2 Timothy 3:12 Forms and Transliterations Παρμεναν Παρμενᾶν παροδεύοντος Parmenan ParmenânLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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