Aristarchus Ἀρίσταρχος
Macedonian companion of Paul, fellow prisoner
Who is Aristarchus in the Bible?
Aristarchus was a Macedonian Christian from Thessalonica who became one of the apostle Paul's most faithful companions and fellow workers. He first appears in Acts 19:29 during a riot in Ephesus, where he and Gaius were seized by an angry mob while traveling with Paul. Later, Aristarchus joined Paul on his journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:4) and subsequently accompanied Paul during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27:2). Paul later refers to him affectionately as a fellow prisoner and fellow worker in Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 1:24. Aristarchus's consistent presence with Paul through persecution, travel, and imprisonment demonstrates the dedication of early Christian disciples who risked their own safety to support the apostolic ministry.
Biography
Aristarchus was a Macedonian Christian from Thessalonica who became a close companion and fellow worker of the apostle Paul. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, providing insight into his dedication to the gospel and his support of Paul's ministry.
In Act.19.29, during the riot in Ephesus, Aristarchus and Gaius are described as Paul's traveling companions who were seized by the mob. This incident highlights the dangers faced by early Christians as they spread the gospel message.
Aristarchus is later mentioned as one of the delegates who accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem (Act.20.4), demonstrating his commitment to supporting Paul and the church. In Act.27.2, we learn that Aristarchus was also with Paul during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, further emphasizing his loyalty and willingness to face hardships for the sake of the gospel.
In Paul's letters, Aristarchus is described as a fellow prisoner (Col. Act.4.10) and a fellow worker (Phm. Act.1.24). These references suggest that Aristarchus not only traveled with Paul but also shared in his sufferings and labored alongside him in ministry.
Aristarchus' consistent presence in Paul's life, from his missionary journeys to his imprisonment, testifies to his unwavering faith and dedication to the spread of the gospel. His example serves as an encouragement to believers to remain faithful and committed to serving Christ, even in the face of adversity.
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study contentActs 3 verses
- Acts 19:29
"Soon the whole city was in disarray. They rushed together into the theatre, dragging with them Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia."
Study Acts → - Acts 20:4
"Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia."
Study Acts → - Acts 27:2
"We boarded an Adramyttian ship about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and we put out to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us."
Study Acts →
Colossians 1 verse
- Colossians 4:10
"My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you greetings, as does Mark the cousin of Barnabas. You have already received instructions about him: If he comes to you, welcome him."
Study Colossians →
Philemon 1 verse
- Philemon 1:24
"as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἀρίσταρχος | Arístarchos | best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian |
Aristarchus
d by the excited Ephesians during the riot stirred up by the silversmiths (Ac 19:29). They are designated "men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel." We learn later that he was a native of Thessalonica (Ac 20:4; 27:2). They were probably seized to extract from them information about their leader Paul, but when they could tell nothing, and since they were Greeks, nothing further was done to them.
When Aristarchus attached himself to Paul we do not know, but he seems ever after the Ephesian uproar to have remained in Paul's company. He was one of those who accompanied Paul from Greece via Macedonia (Ac 20:4). Having preceded Paul to Troas, where they waited for him, they traveled with him to Palestine. He is next mentioned as accompanying Paul to Rome (Ac 27:2). There he attended Paul and shared his imprisonment. He is mentioned in two of the letters of the Roman captivity, in the Epistle to the church at Col 4:10, and in the Epistle to Phm (Phm 1:24), in both of which he sends greetings. In the former Paul calls him "my fellow-prisoner." According to tradition he was martyred during the persecution of Nero.
S. F. Hunter
(1) Son of the Maccabean, John Hyrcanus, who assumed the power and also the title of king after his father's death (105 BC) and associated with him, as co-r