In brief
Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus are three Christians of the church in Corinth, in the middle of the first century. The household of Stephanas, baptized by Paul himself, is called the first fruits of Achaia, and it devoted itself to serving the saints. The three men come to Paul while he is writing his first letter to the Corinthians. Their presence refreshes him, and he asks the church to acknowledge such men.
What does the name Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus mean?
Stephanas is generally linked to the Greek word stephanos, “crown.” Fortunatus is a Latin name understood as “fortunate.” Achaicus recalls Achaia, the province of Corinth. The Bible does not explain these names.
The story of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus
A household baptized by Paul
1 Corinthians 1:14-17Facing the divisions of Corinth, where people claim Paul, Apollos or Cephas, Paul recalls that he baptized very few of them: Crispus, Gaius, and the household of Stephanas. He insists that Christ did not send him to baptize but to preach the Gospel, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.
The first fruits of Achaia
1 Corinthians 16:15At the end of his letter, Paul reminds them that the household of Stephanas is “the first fruits of Achaia.” It is among the first fruits of the Gospel in this region of Greece. Paul adds that it has devoted itself to serving the saints, that is, the believers. Its faith has taken the form of concrete service.
Men worth respecting
1 Corinthians 16:16Paul asks the Corinthians to show deference to such people, and to everyone who works with them in the same work. In a church marked by rivalries, he does not point to brilliant speakers but to those who serve. Respect here rests on devotion, not on prestige.
A presence that refreshes
1 Corinthians 16:17-18Paul rejoices at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus. They made up for what was lacking on the Corinthians' part and refreshed his spirit and theirs. He concludes: “Therefore acknowledge those who are like that.” These three believers served as a link between the apostle and a church he loved.
What Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus teaches us
- Faithful service to the saints is a mark of true faith.
- In the church, respect is earned by devotion more than by talent.
- A simple visit can deeply comfort a servant of God.
- The first converts of a region have the responsibility of opening the way for others.
- God uses little-known believers to strengthen his church.
Key verses
The household of Stephanas is called the first fruits of Achaia, and it has devoted itself to serving the saints. Paul honors a faith that takes the form of service.
Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus made up for what was lacking on the Corinthians' part and refreshed Paul's spirit. He asks that such men be acknowledged.
Paul baptized the household of Stephanas. He recalls it to show that no one should claim to belong to him: only Christ was crucified for them.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Who were Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus?
They are three Christians connected to the church in Corinth who came to Paul while he was writing his first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:17). Stephanas is the head of a household baptized by Paul. The Bible says nothing else about Fortunatus and Achaicus than their presence with the apostle.
What does “the first fruits of Achaia” mean?
First fruits are the first produce of the harvest, offered to God. By calling the household of Stephanas this (1 Corinthians 16:15), Paul indicates that it was among the first converts of Achaia, the province of Greece where Corinth lay. The text does not say that Fortunatus and Achaicus belonged to it.
Where can I find the story of Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus in the Bible?
Stephanas is mentioned in 1 Corinthians 1:16 and 16:15-18. Fortunatus and Achaicus are named only once, in 1 Corinthians 16:17, alongside Stephanas. These are the only passages of the Bible that speak of them.