Erastus

Paul's coworker and servant

La Iglesia primitivaDisciple1st century AD

Erastus was one of Paul's faithful coworkers in the early church. He was sent together with Timothy to Macedonia to serve the congregations there, while Paul himself remained in Asia for a time. He is also mentioned in connection with his travels and service in the early Christian mission.

Hechos clave

Sent to Macedonia with Timothy

Paul sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself remained in Asia a little longer.

22He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed on for a while in Asia.
ἀποστείλας δὲ εἰς τὴν Μακεδονίαν δύο τῶν διακονούντων αὐτῷ, Τιμόθεον καὶ Ἔραστον, αὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν χρόνον εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν.

Mentioned in Paul's second letter to Timothy

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul mentions that Erastus stayed behind in Corinth, showing his continued service and connection to the congregations.

20Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus ill at Miletus.
Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ, Τρόφιμον δὲ ⸀ἀπέλιπον ἐν Μιλήτῳ ἀσθενοῦντα.

Possible identification as city treasurer in Corinth

In Romans, an Erastus who is the city's treasurer (steward) sends his greetings. Many scholars believe this may be the same person, which would show his prominent position in society.

23Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus send you greetings.
ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Γάϊος ὁ ξένος μου καὶ ⸂ὅλης τῆς ἐκκλησίας⸃. ἀσπάζεται ὑμᾶς Ἔραστος ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως καὶ Κούαρτος ὁ ἀδελφός.

Service during the riot in Ephesus

Erastus was sent away shortly before the silversmith Demetrius caused a riot in Ephesus because of Paul's preaching, which threatened the idol worship of Artemis.

22He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he himself stayed on for a while in Asia.
ἀποστείλας δὲ εἰς τὴν Μακεδονίαν δύο τῶν διακονούντων αὐτῷ, Τιμόθεον καὶ Ἔραστον, αὐτὸς ἐπέσχεν χρόνον εἰς τὴν Ἀσίαν.
23About that time a serious disturbance broke out concerning the Way.
Ἐγένετο δὲ κατὰ τὸν καιρὸν ἐκεῖνον τάραχος οὐκ ὀλίγος περὶ τῆς ὁδοῦ.
24A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of Artemis, provided a good deal of work for the craftsmen.
Δημήτριος γάρ τις ὀνόματι, ἀργυροκόπος, ποιῶν ναοὺς ἀργυροῦς Ἀρτέμιδος παρείχετο τοῖς τεχνίταις ⸂οὐκ ὀλίγην ἐργασίαν⸃,
25He called them together, along with the workers in related trades, and said: "Men, you know that our prosperity comes from this business.
οὓς συναθροίσας καὶ τοὺς περὶ τὰ τοιαῦτα ἐργάτας εἶπεν· Ἄνδρες, ἐπίστασθε ὅτι ἐκ ταύτης τῆς ἐργασίας ἡ εὐπορία ⸀ἡμῖν ἐστιν,

Mencionado en la Biblia (3)