Topical Encyclopedia Stephanas is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly recognized for his exemplary liberality and dedication to the early Christian church. He is mentioned specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians, where his household is commended for their service and commitment to the saints.Biblical References: 1. 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 : "You know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. I urge you, brothers, to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. For they refreshed my spirit and yours as well. Show your appreciation, therefore, to such men." Context and Significance: Stephanas is identified as one of the first converts in Achaia, a region in Greece, indicating his early and significant role in the spread of Christianity. His household's conversion marks a pivotal moment in the establishment of the church in that area. The Apostle Paul highlights the liberality of Stephanas and his household by noting their devotion to serving the saints. This service is not merely a passive support but an active, ongoing commitment to the welfare and needs of the Christian community. The liberality of Stephanas is further emphasized by Paul's urging to the Corinthian church to submit to such individuals. This submission is not about hierarchy but rather an acknowledgment of the spiritual leadership and dedication demonstrated by Stephanas and his household. Their work is characterized by a selfless commitment to the church, providing a model for others to follow. Role in the Early Church: Stephanas, along with Fortunatus and Achaicus, is noted for having supplied what was lacking from the Corinthians, suggesting that they brought material or spiritual support to Paul during his ministry. Their actions are described as refreshing Paul's spirit, indicating the profound impact of their generosity and encouragement. This refreshment is not only for Paul but also for the broader community, highlighting the ripple effect of their liberality. The mention of Stephanas in Paul's letter serves as an exhortation to the Corinthian church to recognize and appreciate those who labor for the gospel. The liberality of Stephanas is a testament to the transformative power of the gospel, inspiring believers to live lives marked by generosity, service, and dedication to the body of Christ. Theological Implications: From a theological perspective, the example of Stephanas underscores the importance of liberality as a Christian virtue. His life reflects the call to serve others selflessly, embodying the teachings of Christ regarding love and service. The liberality of Stephanas is not merely about financial generosity but encompasses a holistic approach to serving the church, including time, effort, and spiritual encouragement. In the broader narrative of the New Testament, Stephanas represents the ideal of Christian stewardship and community life. His actions demonstrate how individual and household commitment can significantly impact the growth and health of the church. Through his liberality, Stephanas exemplifies the call to be a living sacrifice, as described in Romans 12:1, offering oneself in service to God and others. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Corinthians 16:17I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library 1 Cor. xvi. 10 Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility Memoir of John Bunyan Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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