Bible Dictionary
Erastus
Erastus was a companion and co-worker of Paul. The name refers to men associated with ministry in Macedonia, the city administration at Corinth, and the Christian work at Corinth, though the sources do not establish whether all references concern one person.
Definition
Erastus is a name meaning “beloved” and is used of a companion or co-worker of Paul. The references may concern one person or more than one person: a minister sent to Macedonia, a city treasurer at Corinth, and one who remained at Corinth.
Biblical Usage
Erastus was sent with Timothy from Ephesus into Macedonia. Another Erastus sent greetings to Roman Christians as treasurer of Corinth, and one remained at Corinth according to 2 Timothy 4:20.
Historical Background
The Erastus called treasurer appears to have been an important person in the Corinthian Christian community. The sources do not establish whether all three references concern the same man.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Beloved. (1.) The “chamberlain” of the city of Corinth (Rom. 16:23), and one of Paul’s disciples. As treasurer of such a city he was a public officer of great dignity, and his conversion to the gospel was accordingly a proof of the wonderful success of the apostle’s labours. (2.) A companion of Paul at Ephesus, who was sent by him along with Timothy into Macedonia (Acts 19:22). Corinth was his usual place of abode (2 Tim. 4:20); but probably he may have been the same as the preceding.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(beloved).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-ras'-tus (Erastos, "beloved"):</p><p>The name occurs three times, each time denoting a companion of Paul.</p><p>(1) Erastus was sent with Timothy from Ephesus into Macedonia while Paul remained in Asia for a while. They are designated "two of them that ministered unto him" (Ac 19:22).</p><p>(2) "Erastus the treasurer of the city" sent greetings to the Christians in Rome (Ro 16:23). He was apparently an important person in the Corinthian community, and with Gaius probably represented that church in these fraternal relations with the Roman community.</p><p>(3) Erastus is one who, in 2Ti 4:20, "remained at Corinth."</p><p>We have no means of discovering whether one or more than one person is meant in these references. A. C. Headlam (HDB, under the word) thinks it improbable that one who held an office implying residence in one locality should have been one of Paul's companions in travel. On the other hand Paul may be designating Erastus (Ro 16:23) by an office he once held, but which he gave up to engage in mission work.</p><p>S. F. Hunter</p>