Topical Encyclopedia Stachys is a relatively obscure figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's Epistle to the Romans. In Romans 16:9, Paul writes, "Greet Urbanus, our fellow worker in Christ, and my beloved Stachys" . This brief mention places Stachys among the early Christian community in Rome, highlighting his significance as a beloved member of the early Church.Historical Context The Epistle to the Romans is one of Paul's most theologically rich letters, written around A.D. 57 during his third missionary journey. The letter was addressed to the Christian community in Rome, a diverse group comprising both Jewish and Gentile believers. This community was navigating the complexities of living out their faith in the heart of the Roman Empire, a society often at odds with Christian teachings. Role in the Early Church While the Bible provides limited information about Stachys, his inclusion in Paul's greetings suggests that he was a person of some standing within the Roman church. The term "beloved" indicates a close personal relationship with Paul, suggesting that Stachys was not only a fellow believer but also a trusted and cherished friend. This designation implies that Stachys may have played a significant role in supporting the ministry and mission of the early Church in Rome. Name and Cultural Significance The name "Stachys" is of Greek origin, meaning "ear of grain" or "spike." This name was relatively common in the Hellenistic world, reflecting the cultural diversity of the early Christian community. The presence of a Greek name in the Roman church underscores the inclusive nature of the early Christian movement, which transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries. Theological Implications Stachys' mention in Romans 16 serves as a reminder of the personal and communal nature of the early Church. Paul's greetings in this chapter highlight the interconnectedness of believers, emphasizing the importance of relationships and mutual support within the body of Christ. Stachys, as a beloved member of this community, exemplifies the unity and love that characterized the early Christians. Legacy and Tradition Though Stachys is not widely known outside of this brief biblical reference, his legacy endures as part of the rich tapestry of early Christian history. Some traditions, particularly within the Eastern Orthodox Church, venerate Stachys as one of the Seventy Apostles, a group of early disciples sent out by Jesus to spread the Gospel. According to these traditions, Stachys later became the first Bishop of Byzantium, serving from A.D. 38 to 54. While these accounts are not corroborated by the biblical text, they reflect the lasting impact of Stachys' faith and service in the early Church. In summary, Stachys stands as a testament to the diverse and dynamic nature of the early Christian community in Rome. His mention by Paul highlights the personal connections and deep love that were foundational to the spread of Christianity in the first century. Nave's Topical Index Romans 16:9Salute Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved. Nave's Topical Index Greek 4720. Stachus -- Stachys, a Christian at Rome ... Stachys, a Christian at Rome. Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine Transliteration: Stachus Phonetic Spelling: (stakh'-oos) Short Definition: Stachys Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4720.htm - 6k Library The Epistle to the Romans The Same Hippolytus on the Seventy Apostles. Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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