1 Corinthians 1:16
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other.
Original Language Analysis
ἐβάπτισα
I baptized
G907
ἐβάπτισα
I baptized
Strong's:
G907
Word #:
1 of 13
to immerse, submerge; to make whelmed (i.e., fully wet); used only (in the new testament) of ceremonial ablution, especially (technically) of the ordi
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οἶκον
the household
G3624
οἶκον
the household
Strong's:
G3624
Word #:
6 of 13
a dwelling (more or less extensive, literal or figurative); by implication, a family (more or less related, literally or figuratively)
οἶδα
I know
G1492
οἶδα
I know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 13
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:15I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,)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.Acts 16:15And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying, If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And she constrained us.Acts 16:33And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his, straightway.
Historical Context
Stephanas's household is mentioned again in 16:15-17 as having devoted themselves to the service of the saints and visited Paul in Ephesus. They appear to be mature, faithful Christians—exactly the kind of leadership the fractured Corinthian church needs. Paul's mention of them here is not to boast but to ensure complete honesty: "Yes, I baptized Stephanas too, now that I think of it."
Questions for Reflection
- What does Paul's inability (or unwillingness) to remember everyone he baptized teach us about ministry motivations?
- How does the pattern of household baptisms in Acts and here inform our understanding of covenant community and family discipleship?
- Why is it significant that Paul does not keep a tally of his ministry achievements?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other (ebaptisa de kai ton Stephana oikon, ἐβάπτισα δὲ καὶ τὸν Στεφανᾶ οἶκον)—Paul suddenly recalls one more household he baptized: Stephanas and his household. This appears to be an afterthought, almost comedic in tone, as if Paul is racking his memory: "Oh yes, and Stephanas—but other than that, I don't think anyone else." The household (oikos, οἶκος) likely included family members, slaves, and dependents—a common pattern in NT household conversions (Acts 16:15, 31-34).
Paul's vagueness—I know not whether I baptized any other—underscores his point: he genuinely did not keep score or build a baptismal resume. He was not accumulating disciples or building a faction. Later (16:15-16), Paul commends Stephanas's household as the "firstfruits of Achaia" and urges submission to them—they are servants, not factional leaders.