Erastus Ἔραστος
Companion of Paul; served as city treasurer in Corinth.
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 Study available
- Acts 19:22
"Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while."
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Romans 1 verse Study available
- Romans 16:23
"Gaius, my host and host of the whole assembly, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother."
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2 Timothy 1 verse Study available
- 2 Timothy 4:20
"Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick."
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Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Ἔραστος | G2037 |
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<