Stephen

The image shows Stephen with stones on his

head and shoulders to symbolize his martyrdom

(see Acts 7:58-60).

Stephen had been selected, along with six

others, to organize the daily distribution of food to

widows. He, and the other six, were Hellenists, it

seems, and were "of good standing". Luke tells

us that he was "a man full of faith and the Holy

Spirit", and he is mentioned first in the list of

seven (see Acts 6:1-6).

The name "Stephanos" was relatively common. It was held by about 1 in 700 of those

recorded in the Lexicon of Greek Personal Names. However, it is nearly unattested

among Jews in the ancient world.(1)

Stephanos means crown, and it was the prize given to the victor in athletic

competitions. Athletic metaphors for moral and religious endeavors were widespread

in the first century.(2) See Thiselton's 1 Cor commentary, on 9:25. Stephanoi were

also given to benefactors, including synagogue benefactors (see on Stephanas). The

name "Stephanos" might then symbolize his faithfulness.

All the Christians who lead lists of the names in the Gospels and Acts received new

names, as did all those who were martyred, except Paul. Furthermore, we have

evidence that the name "Stephanas" was a faithfulness name given to Titius Justus.

All this makes it rather likely that the New Testament Stephanos, too, was a

faithfulness name.

(1) See Williams, "Palestinian Jewish Personal Names in Acts", in The Book of Acts

in its First Century Setting, vol.4 Ed R. Bauckham. p111-2.

(2) See A.C.Thiselton, The First Epistle to the Corinthians, NIGTC, Eerdmans 2000.

p713-4.