Lexical Summary Erastos: Erastus Original Word: Ἔραστος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Erastus. From erao (to love); beloved; Erastus, a Christian -- Erastus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom eraó (to love) Definition "beloved," Erastus, the name of two Christian NASB Translation Erastus (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 2037: ἜραστοςἜραστος, Ἐραστου, ὁ, Erastus, (ἐραστός beloved, (cf. Chandler § 325; Lipsius, Gram. Untersuch., p. 30)), the name of two Christians: 1. the companion of the apostle Paul, Acts 19:22; 2. the city treasurer of Corinth, Romans 16:23. Which of the two is meant in 2 Timothy 4:20 cannot be determined. STRONGS NT 2037a: ἐραυνάωἐραυνάω, a later and especially Alexandrian (cf. Sturz, Dial. Maced. et Alex., p. 117) form for ἐρευνάω, which see. Cf. Tdf. edition 7 min. Proleg., p. 37; (the major edition, p. 34; especially ed. 8 Proleg., p. 81f); Buttmann, 58 (50). Derived from a root that conveys affectionate love, the name Erastus points to the esteem in which this individual was held among early believers. He appears three times in the New Testament, always in connection with the Apostle Paul’s ministry. Erastus in the Book of Acts Acts 19:22 records that Paul “sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia”. Here Erastus functions as one of Paul’s trusted emissaries during the third missionary journey. His dispatch with Timothy indicates both competence and reliability, for Macedonian churches such as Philippi and Thessalonica required mature guidance amid persecution and doctrinal formation. Erastus in the Epistle to the Romans By the time Paul sends greetings to the believers in Rome (Romans 16:23), Erastus is introduced as “the city treasurer” of Corinth. The Greek title refers to a high-ranking civic official responsible for the city’s finances. His position illustrates that the gospel had penetrated influential social strata, fulfilling the promise that the message would reach “kings and governors” (compare Acts 9:15). Erastus’ public role and explicit identification with the church testify that Christian witness can flourish in secular institutions without compromise. Erastus in 2 Timothy Near the end of Paul’s life, he writes, “Erastus has remained at Corinth” (2 Timothy 4:20). The brief notice shows steadfastness: years after Acts 19, Erastus is still serving in the city where Paul once labored eighteen months. His continued presence supplied stability for the Corinthian congregation as Paul’s generation of apostles passed the torch to emerging leaders. Ministry Partnership and Character 1. Faithful delegate—entrusted with delicate assignments on Paul’s behalf. Possible Continuity of Identity Some scholars distinguish between the Erastus of Acts 19 and the civic treasurer of Romans 16; others view them as the same person whose responsibilities expanded. The later reference in 2 Timothy favors unity of identity: the same trusted colleague who traveled with Paul eventually settled into a strategic, ongoing role. Historical and Archaeological Considerations An inscription uncovered in Corinth reads: “Erastus, commissioner of public works, laid this pavement at his own expense.” While the title differs slightly, the find corroborates the New Testament portrayal of a believer occupying significant civic office in Corinth during the mid-first century. Theological Reflection Erastus exemplifies how vocation and discipleship interweave. His life demonstrates that influence in the marketplace can be dedicated to Christ’s mission, providing resources, stability, and credibility to the local church. His partnership with Paul underscores the New Testament pattern of diverse giftings—apostles, itinerant teachers, and lay professionals—laboring together for the advance of the gospel. Lessons for Contemporary Believers • Professional competence and Christian witness are not mutually exclusive. Englishman's Concordance Acts 19:22 N-AMSGRK: Τιμόθεον καὶ Ἔραστον αὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν NAS: to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself KJV: and Erastus; but he himself INT: Timothy and Erastus he remained Romans 16:23 N-NMS 2 Timothy 4:20 N-NMS Strong's Greek 2037 |
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