I Corinthians 1:16

household of Stephanas--"The first-fruits of Achaia," that is, among the first converted there (Co1 16:15, Co1 16:17). It is likely that such "households" included infants (Act 16:33). The history of the Church favors this view, as infant baptism was the usage from the earliest ages.

In this chapter we have, I. The preface or introduction to the whole epistle (Co1 1:1-9). II. One principal occasion of writing it hinted, namely, their divisions and the origin of them (Co1 1:10-13). III. An account of Paul's ministry among them, which was principally preaching the gospel (Co1 1:14-17). IV. The manner wherein he preached the gospel, and the different success of it, with an account how admirably it was fitted to bring glory to God and beat down the pride and vanity of men (Co1 1:17 to the end).

1:16 The household of Stephanas were the first converts in the province of Achaia (southern Greece; see 16:15). Household refers to all who lived in the house, which might include more than Stephanas’s immediate family.