Erastus Ἔραστος
Companion of Paul; served as city treasurer in Corinth.
Who is Erastus in the Bible?
Erastus was a trusted companion of the apostle Paul who held the important position of city treasurer in Corinth. He is mentioned in three New Testament passages: Paul sent him to Macedonia along with Timothy from Ephesus (Acts 19:22), he sent greetings to the Roman church in Paul's letter to them (Romans 16:23), and he remained in Corinth when Paul traveled elsewhere (2 Timothy 4:20). His role as treasurer indicates he was a respected and influential member of the Corinthian Christian community, likely serving as a representative of that church in its relations with other congregations. Erastus exemplifies how early Christians of means and social standing used their positions to support the apostolic mission.
Biography
Erastus was a companion of the apostle Paul, mentioned in several New Testament passages. He was sent by Paul, along with Timothy, from Ephesus to Macedonia (Act.19.22). In his letter to the Romans, Paul mentions that Erastus, the city treasurer, sends his greetings (Rom.16.23), indicating that he held an important position in Corinth. Later, in his second letter to Timothy, Paul writes that Erastus stayed in Corinth (2Ti.4.20). These references suggest that Erastus was a trusted associate of Paul and played a significant role in the early church.
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 3 with study contentActs 1 verse
- Acts 19:22
"He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia."
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Romans 1 verse
- Romans 16:23
"Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus."
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2 Timothy 1 verse
- 2 Timothy 4:20
"Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἔραστος |
Encyclopedia Article
ISBE 1915 (Public Domain) Erastus
They are designated "two of them that ministered unto him" (Ac 19:22).
(2) "Erastus the treasurer of the city" sent greetings to the Christians in Rome (Ro 16:23). He was apparently an important person in the Corinthian community, and with Gaius probably represented that church in these fraternal relations with the Roman community.
(3) Erastus is one who, in 2Ti 4:20, "remained at Corinth."
We have no means of discovering whether one or more than one person is meant in these references. A. C. Headlam (HDB, under the word) thinks it improbable that one who held an office implying residence in one locality should have been one of Paul's companions in travel. On the other hand Paul may be designating Erastus (Ro 16:23) by an office he once held, but which he gave up to engage in mission work.
S. F. Hunter
1Etymology of the Name
The second of the cities founded by Nimrod, the others being Babel, Accad and Calneh (Ge 10:10<