Ἔραστος (erastos)
erastos
Erastus
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The name Erastos appears in three New Testament passages, identifying two distinct individuals connected to the apostle Paul. In Acts 19:22, he is listed as one of Paul’s companions sent into Macedonia, a role likely shared with Timothy. This same figure may be the person Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 4:20, where he notes that Erastos remained in Corinth.
A second Erastos is identified in Romans 16:23 as the city treasurer of Corinth and a host to Paul. The name itself derives from the verb erao, meaning "to love," making it a common Hellenistic personal name signifying "beloved." While the biblical text does not elaborate on their personalities or specific ministries, their presence highlights the widespread network of early Christian leaders who held significant civic roles while serving the church.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Erastos means "beloved," a fitting title for those who serve in the body of Christ. In the New Testament, we encounter this name attached to men who held significant civic responsibilities while remaining faithful to their faith. One such individual served as the city treasurer of Corinth, demonstrating that professional duty and spiritual devotion can walk hand in hand.
These brief mentions remind us that the early church was built by ordinary people in extraordinary places. Whether traveling with Paul or managing city finances, these believers showed that our daily work is a valid arena for serving God. Their lives encourage us to integrate our faith into every part of our existence, finding joy in being beloved by God and useful to His kingdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Erastus2×
- Erastus,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Ἔραστος2×
- Ἔραστον,1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse identifies Erastus as the city treasurer, highlighting the intersection of civic duty and Christian fellowship in the early church.
-
Acts 19:22
Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
Here Erastus is listed alongside Timothy as a companion sent to Macedonia, showing his active role in Paul's missionary journeys.
-
II Timothy 4:20
Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus at Miletus sick.
Paul notes that Erastus remained in Corinth, indicating his continued presence and likely leadership in that specific community.