What the Bible Says About the Meaning of the Name Stephen

The name Stephen means “crown” or “wreath” in Greek. In the Bible, Stephen is recognized as the first Christian martyr, known for his strong faith and eloquent defense of the gospel in Acts 6-7.

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Scripture

1 Now in these days when the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint by the Hellenists arose against the Hebrews because their widows were being neglected in the daily distribution.
2 And the twelve summoned the full number of the disciples and said, “It is not right that we should give up preaching the word of God to serve tables.
3 Therefore, brothers, pick out from among you seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we will appoint to this duty.
4 But we will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5 And what they said pleased the whole gathering, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch.
6 They set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.
7 And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.
8 And Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people.
9 But some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), and of the Cyrenians, and of the Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and Asia, rose up and disputed with Stephen.
10 But they could not withstand the wisdom and the Spirit with which he was speaking.
11 Then they secretly instigated men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God.”
12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and they came upon him and seized him and brought him before the council.
13 and they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law,
And they set up false witnesses who said, “This man never ceases to speak words against this holy place and the law, for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and will change the customs that Moses delivered to us.”
15 And gazing at him, all who sat in the council saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts 6:1-15

Meaning of Stephen in the Bible

The name Stephen, derived from the Greek word “stephanos,” meaning “crown” or “wreath,” carries significant theological symbolism in the biblical narrative. In the context of Christian belief, the crown often represents victory, honor, and reward, particularly the ultimate reward of eternal life promised to faithful believers. Stephen’s martyrdom, depicted in Acts 7, exemplifies his steadfast faith amidst persecution, as he becomes the first martyr of the early Church. His bold proclamation of the gospel, combined with his vision of Jesus standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:55-56), reinforces the notion of divine approval for those who endure suffering for Christ’s sake. This imagery aligns with 2 Timothy 4:7-8, where the Apostle Paul expresses his confidence in receiving the “crown of righteousness” as a reward for his faithfulness, further linking the concept of a crown with spiritual achievement and steadfastness.

In a broader sense, Stephen’s story exemplifies the transformative power of faith and the call to bear witness to the truth of the gospel, even in the face of death. His life and ultimate sacrifice encourage believers to embody a spirit of courage and commitment to their faith, as seen in Hebrews 11:33-34, where the faithful “gained what was promised” but also faced trials and persecution. Through his example, Stephen illustrates how suffering for righteousness is not in vain but leads to eternal reward, echoing the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12 about the blessedness of those persecuted for the sake of righteousness. Thus, the meaning of the name Stephen not only denotes a literal crown but serves as a profound reminder of the eternal significance of living a life of faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to God’s truth.

The name Stephen, symbolizing a “crown,” serves as a poignant reminder of the nobility and honor associated with unwavering faith in the face of adversity. While his martyrdom marks a significant event in the history of the early Church, Stephen’s life and legacy extend far beyond his final moments. His appointment as one of the seven deacons (Acts 6:5) not only highlights his character and spiritual maturity but also reflects the early Church’s emphasis on service and leadership. Through his role, Stephen embodies the call for believers to actively participate in their communities, serving both physically and spiritually, which ultimately aligns with the servanthood displayed by Christ.

Moreover, the weight of Stephen’s name and the meaning imbued in it resonate throughout Christian teachings. His eloquent defense before the Sanhedrin serves as a theological cornerstone for understanding Christ’s fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets. In this way, Stephen not only stands as a martyr but also as a theologian whose insights challenge and instruct the early Church and subsequent generations of believers. As martyrs and saints are often associated with receiving crowns of glory in the life to come, Stephen becomes a significant figure in reminding believers that fidelity to one’s faith amid trials is rewarded in a divine and eternal sense. His story encourages Christians to seek a deeper understanding of their own faith journeys, reflecting on how their lives might also be seen as investments in the eternal “crown” promised to those who persevere.

The Significance of the Name Stephen

The name Stephen is derived from the Greek word “stephanos,” which means “crown” or “garland.” In biblical context, this signifies honor, victory, and reward. The name embodies the idea of being recognized for one’s faith and perseverance, suggesting that those who endure trials for their beliefs will ultimately receive a divine reward.

A Symbol of Faith and Martyrdom

Stephen is often regarded as the first Christian martyr, which adds a profound layer of meaning to his name. His unwavering faith in the face of persecution exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice for one’s beliefs. This association with martyrdom highlights the importance of standing firm in faith, even when faced with adversity, and serves as an inspiration for believers to remain steadfast in their convictions.

Leadership and Service

In the early church, Stephen was chosen as one of the first deacons, indicating a role of leadership and service within the Christian community. His name, therefore, also represents the qualities of servitude and dedication to the mission of spreading the Gospel. This aspect of his identity emphasizes the call for believers to serve others and take on leadership roles within their communities, reflecting the teachings of Christ through their actions.

How to Cultivate Honor and Reverence in Faith

Cultivating honor and reverence in your faith is a deeply personal journey that begins with recognizing the sacredness of your relationship with God. Start by setting aside intentional time for prayer and reflection, allowing yourself to be fully present in His presence. This can be as simple as finding a quiet space where you can meditate on Scripture or express your gratitude. Engage with your community of faith, as shared worship and fellowship can deepen your understanding of reverence. Remember, honor is not just about outward expressions; it’s about the posture of your heart. Approach your spiritual practices with humility and a desire to grow, acknowledging that every moment is an opportunity to reflect God’s love and grace. As you cultivate this mindset, you’ll find that your faith becomes a source of strength and inspiration, guiding you to live in a way that honors both God and those around you.

Bible References to the Name Stephen:

Acts 7:1-60: 1 And the high priest said, “Are these things so?”
2 And Stephen said: “Brothers and fathers, hear me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,
3 and said to him, ‘Go out from your land and from your kindred and go into the land that I will show you.’
4 Then he went out from the land of the Chaldeans and lived in Haran. And after his father died, God removed him from there into this land in which you are now living.
5 Yet he gave him no inheritance in it, not even a foot’s length, but promised to give it to him as a possession and to his offspring after him, though he had no child.
6 And God spoke to this effect—that his offspring would be sojourners in a land belonging to others, who would enslave them and afflict them four hundred years.
7 And I will judge the nation that they serve, said God, and after that they shall come out and worship me in this place.
8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham became the father of Isaac, and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob of the twelve patriarchs.
9 “And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him”
10 and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
11 Now there came a famine throughout all Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers could find no food.
12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on their first visit.
13 And on the second visit Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family became known to Pharaoh.
14 And Joseph sent and summoned Jacob his father and all his kindred, seventy-five persons in all.
15 And Jacob went down into Egypt, and he died, he and our fathers,
16 And they were carried back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had bought for a sum of silver from the sons of Hamor in Shechem.
17 “But as the time of the promise drew near, which God had granted to Abraham, the people increased and multiplied in Egypt”
18 until there arose over Egypt another king who did not know Joseph.
19 He dealt shrewdly with our race and forced our fathers to expose their infants, so that they would not be kept alive.
20 At this time Moses was born; and he was beautiful in God’s sight. And he was brought up for three months in his father’s house.
21 and when he was exposed, Pharaoh’s daughter adopted him and brought him up as her own son.
22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in his words and deeds.
23 “When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.”
24 And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian.
25 He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand.
26 And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers. Why do you wrong each other?’
27 But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?
28 ‘Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’
29 At this retort Moses fled and became an exile in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons.
30 “Now when forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.”
31 When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight, and as he drew near to look, there came the voice of the Lord:
32 ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
33 Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off the sandals from your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.
34 I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their groaning, and I have come down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.’”
35 “This Moses, whom they rejected, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—this man God sent as both ruler and redeemer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.
36 This man led them out, performing wonders and signs in Egypt and at the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years.
37 This is the Moses who said to the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from your brothers.’
38 This is the one who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and with our fathers. He received living oracles to give to us.
39 Our fathers refused to obey him, but thrust him aside, and in their hearts they turned to Egypt,
40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make for us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered a sacrifice to the idol and were rejoicing in the works of their hands.
42 But God turned away and gave them over to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets: “Did you bring to me slain beasts and sacrifices, during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel?
43 You took up the tent of Moloch
and the star of your god Rephan,
the images that you made to worship;
and I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
44 “Our fathers had the tent of witness in the wilderness, just as he who spoke to Moses directed him to make it, according to the pattern that he had seen.”
45 Our fathers in turn brought it in with Joshua when they dispossessed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David,
46 who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob.
47 But it was Solomon who built a house for him.
48 Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says,
49 “‘Heaven is my throne,
and the earth is my footstool.
What kind of house will you build for me, says the Lord,
or what is the place of my rest?
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
51 “You stiff-necked people, uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you.”
Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they killed those who announced beforehand the coming of the Righteous One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered,
You who received the law as delivered by angels and did not keep it.
54 Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him.
55 But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.
56 And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”
57 But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him.
58 Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59 And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60 Then falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts 8:1-2: 1 And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.
2 Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him.