[Greek] στεφανόω (stephanoō), [Latin] coronare: to crown, to win the prize, to adorn with a wreath, to place a crown on one’s head, to honor; 2 Tim.2:5, Heb.2:7, Heb.2:9
You know it is a big fricking deal when they create a new word (stephanoo) after you. Stephen won the imperishable prize of salvation.
Background Information:
Ancient Greece: This term means to enclose or to encircle. The crown (stephanos) encircles the head in a circular or horse-shoe shape. Heaven is encircled by stars which embrace it like a crown. Pindar makes mention of the circling walls of Troy. Homer makes mention of a battle kindled (surrounding) the city.
Ancient Olympics: The victor of the race received a crown (wreath) of olive leaves. The crown comes from a branch of an olive tree from Olympia. When the victor was crowned, this practice also served to honor the gods. Although the victor did not receive financial rewards, he received a great amount of prestige. The victor was entitled to have a statue made in his image and a victory celebration to his home. Essentially, the victor received first-class treatment by the authorities.
Old Testament: This term primarily is used in the sense of to surround, to encircle, and to crown (adorn).
- The young king Herod is given the victor’s crown after defeating Antigonus. Herod was adorned with a golden crown at his funeral.
- The faithful Jewish martyrs were given the crown of righteousness.
- The crown is an eschatological reward for victory and honor.
- Rabbinic theology speaks of the three crowns of the Torah, the priesthood, and the monarchy.
- The Jewish philosopher Philo refers to the contestants in the stadium receiving the crowns of renown.
New Testament: This term means to give a prize and to honor. The faithful Christian is likened to an athlete who wins the prize (receives a crown) in a contest. This faithful Christian wins the imperishable prize of glory. Jesus is crowned with honor and glory. Jesus is exalted by His death on the Cross. Jesus’ death becomes the ultimate victory which results in redeeming the fallen nature of man.
St. Stephen: He has been venerated as the first Christian martyr. He is the first to wear the victorious crown of martyrdom in becoming a saint. Accused of blasphemy, Stephen denounced the Jewish authorities and then was stoned to death. He was a Greek Hellenized Jew. He becomes one of the first deacons instructed to provide for the welfare of the Greek speaking widows.
Scripture:
2Tim. 2:5: “Similarly, an athlete cannot receive the winner’s crown except by competing according to the rules.” (Paul instructs Timothy about the necessity of safeguarding and faithfully transmitting the faith. One must have a single-mindedness of a soldier in order to not to become entangled in the affairs of life. One must also have the discipline and preparedness of an athlete to run this Christian race of life.)
Heb.2:9: “We do see Jesus ‘crowned with glory and honor’ because He suffered death.” (Jesus is crowned with glory by His death on the Cross. This crowning is possible because Jesus is faithful to the Father in providing redemption for fallen nature of man.)
Conclusion:
Stephen, Steven, coronation, crown, crowned
I suppose it makes sense that this term is associated with encircling. The Olympic crown, either in circular or horse-shoe form, encircles the victor’s head. When a victor is crowned, the gods were also honored. The victorious Olympic athletes were not financially rewarded==> amateur athletes. However, they did receive first class attention, prestige and support by influential patrons . So, I guess not much has really changed with the Olympic tradition over time. Sounds like the early precursor to celebrity endorsements and corporate sponsors.
It is certainly understandable that the Old Testament (Jewish) culture would view the crown in a much different non-pagan light. Crowning was acceptable when the prophets bestow authority on the king. The prophet’s blessing was perceived as a sign of God’s favor.
The New Testament begins to develop the important theme of the Christian as an athlete. Even 4 Macc., although not considered canonical, already developed this idea in the Old Testament era. Interestingly, Ignatius, in his Letter to Polycarp (110 A.D.) refers to Christian as athletes. Ignatius states “Bear the maladies as a perfect athlete. Where there is more toil, there is much gain.”
St. Stephen would become the first person to wear the “crown” (stephanos) of martyrdom in becoming the first Christian saint. In a sense, St. Stephen was victorious in the race (crossed the finish line) of the Christian life by being faithful to God. It is quite profoundly significant when they create a new verb (stephanoo) from your own name!
Update: One does not necessarily need to be victorious in a competition. One can also be victorious in just standing up for and defending one’s faith.
Not surprisingly, we quite frequently see victorious athletes thanking God for their efforts and accomplishments. Human nature and motivations remain constant over time.
Not surprisingly, victorious athletes often become larger than life celebrities and heroes for many people.
Not surprisingly, victorious athletes often receive celebrity endorsements and corporate sponsors.
“If you aspire to a great crown in heaven that will never fade, love and honor Mary, and strive to make her known, loved and honored by others.” St. Joseph Cafasso
“How could I bear a crown of gold when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And He bears it for me!” St. Elizabeth of Hungary
“All saints give testimony to the truth that without real effort, no one ever wins the crown.” St. Thomas Becket
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