Stephen I, pope from A.D. 253 to 257, was a native Roman, and is noteworthy because of his connection with the controversy respecting the administration of baptism by heretics. In Africa and the East such baptism was generally rejected, while at Rome reclaimed heretics who had been baptized were received simply with laying on of hands. The Eastern Church, and especially Cyprian of Carthage (q.v.), decided emphatically against the practice of Rome, and asserted that baptism, as a valid rite, cannot exist beyond the pale of the Church; to which Stephen replied that every baptism performed in the name of Jesus carries with it regenerating and sanctifying influence. The synods of Carthage, in 255 and 256, sanctioned the Eastern opinion, and forwarded notice of their decision to Rome. A dispute between Stephen and Cyprian was thereby inaugurated, which ended with Stephen's renouncing all connection with the African Church. Stephen found earnest opponents, also in bishops Dionysius of Alexandria and Firmilian of Caesarea, the latter of whom emphatically resisted the claim of the Romish see to supremacy, which Stephen steadily advanced during the quarrel. The division between the churches continued down to Stephen's death, in 257. Tradition relates that he died a martyr under Valerian, condemned because he refused to sacrifice to idols. He is commemorated Aug. 2.
The Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature was edited by John McClintock and James Strong. It contains nearly 50,000 articles pertaining to Biblical and other religious literature, people, creeds, etc. It is a fantastic research tool for broad Christian study.
John McClintock was born October 27, 1814 in Philadelphia to Irish immigrants, John and Martha McClintock. He began as a clerk in his father's store, and then became a bookkeeper in the Methodist Book Concern in New York. Here he converted to Methodism and considered joining the ministry. McClintock entered the University of Pennsylvania in 1832 and graduated with high honors three years later. Subsequently, he was awarded a doctorate of divinity degree from the same institution in 1848.WikipediaRead More