Lexical Summary Aristarchos: Aristarchus Original Word: Ἀρίσταρχος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aristarchus. From the same as ariston and archo; best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian -- Aristarchus. see GREEK ariston see GREEK archo NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom aristos (best) and archos (leader) Definition "best leader," Aristarchus, a Christian of Thessalonica NASB Translation Aristarchus (5). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 708: ἈρίσταρχοςἈρίσταρχος, Ἀριστάρχου, ὁ (literally, best-ruling), Aristarchus, a certain Christian of Thessalonica, a 'fellow-captive' with Paul (cf. B. D. American edition; Lightfoot and Meyer on Col. as below): Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 1:24. Topical Lexicon Identity and Setting Aristarchus was a Macedonian believer from the prominent port city of Thessalonica. That city’s strategic location on the Via Egnatia and its bustling harbor made it a natural launching point for missionary expansion into the wider Greco-Roman world. Aristarchus emerges in the New Testament as a devoted associate of the Apostle Paul whose ministry spanned riot-torn Ephesus, the highways of Macedonia and Asia Minor, the perilous voyage to Rome, and the confinement that gave rise to the Prison Epistles. Appearances in Scripture • Acts 19:29 – seized during the Ephesian riot. In the Midst of the Ephesian Riot When the silversmiths of Ephesus provoked a city-wide uproar over the perceived threat to their trade, the mob “dragged along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians who were Paul’s traveling companions” (Acts 19:29). Aristarchus’ seizure shows that he was publicly identified with Paul and the proclamation of the gospel, sharing in danger without shrinking back. His willingness to risk violence for Christ models courageous discipleship in hostile environments. Companion on the Missionary Road On the return leg of the third missionary journey Aristarchus is one of seven men who accompany Paul from Greece through Macedonia toward Jerusalem (Acts 20:4). Their presence may have served multiple purposes: His inclusion signals the confidence Paul placed in him and the maturing influence of the Thessalonian congregation. From Free Man to Fellow Prisoner By the time the missionary team embarks for Rome, Luke notes that “Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica” is still at Paul’s side (Acts 27:2). Two later references deepen the portrait: These verses suggest either that Aristarchus voluntarily shared Paul’s custody to serve him or that he himself had been arrested for gospel labors. In either case Scripture testifies to his perseverance and loyalty during the apostle’s most trying season. Character and Ministry Significance 1. Steadfast Loyalty – From the tumult of Ephesus to the chains of Rome, Aristarchus remains beside Paul. He exemplifies Proverbs 17:17: “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Historical Footprint and Later Tradition Church history outside the New Testament knows little about Aristarchus with certainty, though later traditions place him among the Seventy and even credit him with martyrdom in Asia Minor. Whatever the historical details, the biblical record itself secures his legacy: a faithful brother who bore the weight of partnership, sacrifice, and shared mission for the glory of Christ. Lessons for the Modern Church • Ministry is rarely a solo endeavor; like Paul, contemporary servants of the gospel need Aristarchus-style companions. Summary Aristarchus stands as a shining example of loyal companionship, courageous endurance, and Christ-centered service. Whether confronting a raging mob, trekking across ancient highways, or sharing imprisonment for the gospel, he demonstrates the enduring truth that the Lord uses faithful, and sometimes largely unheralded, disciples to propel His redemptive mission forward. Forms and Transliterations Αρισταρχον Ἀρίσταρχον Αρισταρχος Ἀρίσταρχος Αρισταρχου Ἀριστάρχου Aristarchon Arístarchon Aristarchos Arístarchos Aristarchou AristárchouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Acts 19:29 N-AMSGRK: Γαῖον καὶ Ἀρίσταρχον Μακεδόνας συνεκδήμους NAS: Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's KJV: and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, INT: Gaius and Aristarchus Macedonians fellow travelers Acts 20:4 N-NMS Acts 27:2 N-GMS Colossians 4:10 N-NMS Philemon 1:24 N-NMS Strong's Greek 708 |
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