Fortunatus
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Topical Encyclopedia
Fortunatus is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. His name appears in 1 Corinthians 16:17, where Paul writes, "I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you" . This brief mention provides insight into the role Fortunatus played in the early Christian community and his relationship with the Apostle Paul.

Context and Role in the Early Church

Fortunatus is identified as one of the members of the Corinthian church who visited Paul. Along with Stephanas and Achaicus, Fortunatus traveled to meet Paul, likely bringing news and perhaps questions or concerns from the Corinthian believers. Their visit was significant enough for Paul to express his gratitude, indicating that they provided much-needed support and encouragement during his ministry.

The mention of Fortunatus alongside Stephanas and Achaicus suggests that he was a respected member of the Corinthian church. Stephanas is noted earlier in 1 Corinthians 16:15 as the "first convert in Achaia" and someone who "devoted themselves to the service of the saints" . This association implies that Fortunatus, like Stephanas, was committed to serving the early Christian community and supporting the work of the apostles.

Cultural and Historical Background

The name Fortunatus is of Latin origin, meaning "fortunate" or "blessed." It was a common name in the Roman world, often given to slaves or freedmen. This background may suggest that Fortunatus was a person of humble origins who rose to a position of influence within the church, reflecting the diverse social makeup of the early Christian communities.

Theological Significance

While Fortunatus is not a central figure in the New Testament, his inclusion in Paul's letter highlights the importance of lay members in the early church. The support and fellowship provided by individuals like Fortunatus were crucial for the spread of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church. His willingness to travel and assist Paul demonstrates the active participation and dedication expected of believers in the early Christian movement.

Legacy and Influence

Fortunatus's legacy is preserved through his brief mention in the Scriptures, serving as a reminder of the many unnamed and lesser-known individuals who played vital roles in the establishment and growth of the early church. His example encourages modern believers to contribute to their communities with the same spirit of service and dedication, regardless of their status or recognition.

In summary, Fortunatus is a testament to the collaborative and supportive nature of the early Christian church, exemplifying the unity and mutual care that Paul often emphasized in his letters. His presence in the biblical narrative underscores the value of every member's contribution to the body of Christ.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Fortunatus

lucky, fortunate

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Fortunatus

(fortunate) (1 Corinthians 16:17) one of the three Corinthians the others being Stephanas and Achaicus, who were at Ephesus when St. Paul wrote his first epistle. There is a Fortunatus mentioned in the end of Clement's first epistle to the Corinthians, who was possibly the same person.

ATS Bible Dictionary
Fortunatus

1 Corinthians 16:17, came from Corinth to Ephesus, to visit Paul. Paul speaks of Stephanus. Fortunatus, and Achaicus as the first fruits of Achaia, and as set for the service of the church and saints. They carried Paul's first epistle to Corinth.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Fortunate, a disciple of Corinth who visited Paul at Ephesus, and returned with Stephanas and Achaicus, the bearers of the apostle's first letter to the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:17).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
FORTUNATUS

for-tu-na'-tus (Phortounatos):

A Roman proper name turned into Gr; same as Latin adjective fortunatus, meaning "blest," or "fortunate." Found only once in the Bible (1 Corinthians 16:17). Fortunatus, with Stephanas and Achaicus, was an amabassador of the Corinthian church, whose presence at Ephesus refreshed the spirit of the apostle Paul.

Greek
5415. Phortounatos -- "prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian
... prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian. ... Word Origin of Latin origin Definition
"prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian NASB Word Usage Fortunatus (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5415.htm - 6k
Library

Fortunatus
... Fortunatus. Fortunatus, Venantius, a Latin poet, was born in Italy about the
year 530. He was past middle life when he entered the ministry. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/nutter/hymn writers of the church/fortunatus.htm

Epistle xxiii. To Fortunatus and Anthemius .
... Epistle XXIII. To Fortunatus and Anthemius . To Fortunatus and Anthemius [1701] .
Gregory to Fortunatus, bishop, and Anthemius, guardian (defensori). ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxiii to fortunatus and.htm

Epistle xxxii. To Fortunatus, Bishop.
... Great. Epistle XXXII. To Fortunatus, Bishop. To Fortunatus, Bishop. Gregory
to Fortunatus, Bishop of Neapolis (Naples). We have ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxxii to fortunatus bishop.htm

Epistle xiii. To Fortunatus, Bishop.
... the Great. Epistle XIII. To Fortunatus, Bishop. To Fortunatus, Bishop.
Gregory to Fortunatus, Bishop of Fanum [1692] . As it is ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xiii to fortunatus bishop.htm

Acts or Disputation against Fortunatus, the Manich??an.
... Acts or Disputation Against Fortunatus, the Manich??an. [Acta Seu Disputatio Contra
Fortunatum Manich??um.] ad392. [221] Disputation of the First Day. ...
/.../acts or disputation against fortunatus.htm

Treatise xi. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus.
... Treatise XI. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus. Preface.
1. You have desired, beloved Fortunatus [3694] that, since ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise xi exhortation to martyrdom.htm

Epistle Lii. To Fortunatus and his Other Colleagues, Concerning ...
... Epistle LII. To Fortunatus and His Other Colleagues, Concerning Those Who
Had Been Overcome by Tortures. Argument."Cyprian Being ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle lii to fortunatus and.htm

Epistle Liv. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus ...
... Epistle LIV. To Cornelius, Concerning Fortunatus and Felicissimus, or Against
the Heretics. Argument."Cyprian Chiefly Warns Cornelius ...
/.../cyprian/the epistles of cyprian/epistle liv to cornelius concerning.htm

St. Augustin: Acts or Disputation against Fortunatus the ...
... St. AUGUSTIN: acts or disputation against fortunatus the manich??an. [acta seu
disputatio contra fortunatum manich??um]. AD392. translated by. ...
/.../st augustin acts or disputation.htm

Epistle Xci. To Fortunatus, Bishop of Neapolis (Naples).
... Epistle XCI. To Fortunatus, Bishop of Neapolis (Naples). To Fortunatus,
Bishop of Neapolis (Naples). Gregory to Fortunatus, &c. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xci to fortunatus bishop.htm

Thesaurus
Fortunatus (1 Occurrence)
... 16:17). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FORTUNATUS. for-tu ... of the apostle
Paul. Multi-Version Concordance Fortunatus (1 Occurrence). ...
/f/fortunatus.htm - 7k

Fortuna'tus (1 Occurrence)
Fortuna'tus. Fortunatus, Fortuna'tus. Fortune . Multi-Version Concordance
Fortuna'tus (1 Occurrence). ... Fortunatus, Fortuna'tus. Fortune . Reference Bible
/f/fortuna'tus.htm - 6k

Achaicus (1 Occurrence)
... of the leaders of the Corinthian church (to be inferred from 1 Corinthians 16:15)
who, visiting Paul at Ephesus with Stephanas and Fortunatus, greatly relieved ...
/a/achaicus.htm - 7k

Stephanas (3 Occurrences)
... At the occasion of some disorders in the Corinthian church Stephanas, with Fortunatus
and Achaicus in the deputation, brought a letter of the Corinthians to ...
/s/stephanas.htm - 10k

Needed (59 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 16:17 And I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and
Achaicus: for they have done what was needed to make your work complete. (BBE). ...
/n/needed.htm - 25k

Latin (2 Occurrences)
... are Latin words in the New Testament: In particular Latin proper names like Aquila,
Cornelius, Claudia, Clemens, Crescens, Crispus, Fortunatus, Julia, Junia ...
/l/latin.htm - 28k

Lack (86 Occurrences)
... (WEB NAS RSV NIV). 1 Corinthians 16:17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus,
and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. ...
/l/lack.htm - 33k

Lacking (53 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 16:17 I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus;
for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied. ...
/l/lacking.htm - 22k

Wanting (27 Occurrences)
... 1 Corinthians 16:17 It is a joy to me that Stephanas, Fortunatus and Achaicus have
now arrived, because what was wanting so far as you are concerned they have ...
/w/wanting.htm - 14k

Fortunately (1 Occurrence)

/f/fortunately.htm - 6k

Resources
What is the Parousia? | GotQuestions.org

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Fortunatus (1 Occurrence)

1 Corinthians 16:17
I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for that which was lacking on your part, they supplied.
(WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Fortunatus

Fortunatus: A Christian of Corinth

Related Terms

Fortune (7 Occurrences)

Fortunatus (1 Occurrence)

Fortunately
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