Romans 16:23

KJV

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

KJV (with Strong's)

Gaius {G1050} mine {G3450} host {G3581}, and {G2532} of the whole {G3650} church {G1577}, saluteth {G782} you {G5209}. Erastus {G2037} the chamberlain {G3623} of the city {G4172} saluteth {G782} you {G5209}, and {G2532} Quartus {G2890} a brother {G80}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My host Gaius, in whose home the whole congregation meets, greets you. Erastus the city treasurer and brother Quartus greet you.

Berean Standard Bible

Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.

American Standard Version

Gaius my host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the treasurer of the city saluteth you, and Quartus the brother.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Romans 16:23 concludes Paul's extensive list of personal greetings, extending salutations from three individuals in Corinth to the believers in Rome: Gaius, who was Paul's host and a benefactor to the wider church; Erastus, a high-ranking city official; and Quartus, identified simply as "a brother." This verse vividly illustrates the interconnectedness, diverse social composition, and profound fellowship that characterized the early Christian community, emphasizing the personal bonds that underpinned the theological unity of the nascent church.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Romans 16 stands out as a unique and deeply personal chapter within Paul's most theologically dense epistle. Following fourteen chapters of profound doctrinal exposition on themes like justification by faith, the role of the Law, and God's sovereign plan for Israel, Paul dedicates the final chapter to commendations, warnings, and an extensive list of personal greetings. This transition from abstract theology to concrete relationships underscores Paul's conviction that Christian doctrine is not merely intellectual but profoundly relational. Verse 23, specifically, is part of a series of greetings from those accompanying Paul in Corinth, demonstrating the apostle's wide network of co-workers and the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry. It serves as a personal postscript, reinforcing the communal and familial nature of the church.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote the letter to the Romans from Corinth, likely around A.D. 57. The individuals mentioned in Romans 16, including Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus, were part of the vibrant Christian community in Corinth. Early Christian gatherings often took place in private homes, as dedicated church buildings did not yet exist. Thus, the hospitality of individuals like Gaius was crucial for the burgeoning church's ability to assemble and for supporting traveling apostles and missionaries. The mention of Erastus as "the chamberlain of the city" (οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως) is particularly significant, indicating that Christianity had penetrated various social strata, including those holding positions of civic authority and influence within a major Roman city. This detail challenges the notion that early Christianity was exclusively a movement of the marginalized, demonstrating its appeal across the social spectrum.

* **Key Themes:** This verse, alongside the broader chapter, contributes significantly to several key themes prevalent in Romans and Paul's epistles. Firstly, it highlights the **unity and fellowship** of the early church, demonstrating how personal connections and mutual greetings fostered a sense of belonging and solidarity among believers across geographical distances. This aligns with Paul's exhortations for unity found in passages like [Romans 15:5-7](/romans/15-5-7 "Romans 15:5-7 - Unity and Acceptance"). Secondly, the mention of Gaius underscores the critical theme of **Christian hospitality**, a virtue frequently commended in the New Testament as essential for supporting the spread of the Gospel and nurturing community, as seen in [Romans 12:13](/romans/12-13 "Romans 12:13 - Practicing Hospitality"). Finally, the diverse social standing of the individuals (a host, a city official, a simple "brother") illustrates the **inclusivity of the Gospel**, emphasizing that Christ's message transcends social, economic, and cultural barriers, uniting all believers as one body, a concept central to Paul's theology in [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - Unity in Christ").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **host (Greek, _xénos'_):** This word, meaning "foreign" or "alien," also implies "a guest" or, by extension, "an entertainer" or "host." In the context of Gaius, it denotes his role as one who provides lodging and hospitality to strangers, particularly Paul and, more broadly, "the whole church." This highlights the vital role of hospitality in the early church, where homes served as centers for gathering and supporting traveling ministers.
* **church (Greek, _ekklēsía'_):** Derived from a compound meaning "a calling out," this term refers to a popular meeting or, more specifically, a religious congregation. Here, it signifies the Christian community, either local (the church in Corinth) or more broadly, the assembly of believers. Gaius's hospitality extended to "the whole church," indicating his significant contribution to the communal life and gatherings of believers.
* **chamberlain (Greek, _oikonómos'_):** This word literally means "a house-distributor" or "manager," but in a civic context, it refers to a steward, treasurer, or commissioner of public works. Erastus's title as "the chamberlain of the city" (τῆς πόλεως) identifies him as a high-ranking municipal official, likely responsible for the city's finances or public infrastructure. This detail is crucial for understanding the social reach of early Christianity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you."**: This clause introduces Gaius, a prominent and generous figure in Corinth. He is identified first as Paul's personal host, indicating a close relationship and his provision of lodging for the apostle. Secondly, he is described as a host "of the whole church," suggesting that his hospitality extended to the entire Christian community in Corinth, likely by opening his home for their gatherings. His salutation conveys a warm, personal greeting to the Roman believers.
* **"Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you,"**: This part introduces Erastus, whose identity as "the chamberlain of the city" (οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως) signifies his significant civic position in Corinth. This detail is remarkable, showcasing that even individuals in high-ranking public office were part of the Christian movement, sending their greetings to fellow believers in Rome. His salutation underscores the diverse social composition of the early church.
* **"and Quartus a brother."**: The final clause names Quartus, simply identified as "a brother." While no specific title or role is attached to him, this designation profoundly emphasizes the spiritual kinship and equality shared among believers in Christ. His inclusion highlights that every member, regardless of their earthly status or prominence, is valued and recognized within the family of God, participating equally in the fellowship of the church and in extending greetings.

#### Literary Devices
Romans 16:23, like the entire chapter, prominently employs **Prosopography**, the literary device of listing and describing individuals. This detailed enumeration of names serves to personalize the epistle, transforming it from a purely theological treatise into a vibrant testament to the interconnectedness of early Christian communities. The inclusion of diverse figures like Gaius (a hospitable host), Erastus (a high-ranking civic official), and Quartus (a simple "brother") showcases the **Inclusivity** of the Christian faith, demonstrating its appeal across various social strata and emphasizing that all believers are united in Christ. Furthermore, the repeated use of "saluteth you" (ἀσπάζομαι) creates an **Emphasis** on warm, personal fellowship and mutual affection, underscoring the strong bonds of Christian love that transcended geographical distances and social distinctions in the nascent church.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Romans 16:23 provides a tangible glimpse into the practical outworking of Christian theology within the early church. It demonstrates that the profound doctrines articulated in the preceding chapters of Romans were not abstract concepts but lived realities, expressed through personal relationships, mutual care, and a shared sense of belonging. The diverse backgrounds of Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus powerfully illustrate the unifying power of the Gospel, which transcends social hierarchies and cultural divides, bringing all believers into one spiritual family. This verse underscores the theological truth that the church is not merely an organization but a living organism, a community bound together by the Spirit, where every member, regardless of their earthly status, is valued and contributes to the collective witness of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile, Slave or Free, Male or Female")
* [Hebrews 13:1-2](/hebrews/13-1-2 "Hebrews 13:1-2 - Love for Brothers and Hospitality")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Romans 16:23 offers a timeless reminder of the enduring importance of community and personal connection within the body of Christ. In an increasingly fragmented world, this verse calls us to actively cultivate the kind of warm, inclusive fellowship that characterized the early church. It challenges us to embrace hospitality, opening our homes and lives to others, not just for formal gatherings but as a genuine expression of Christian love and support. Furthermore, it encourages us to value every member of the church, recognizing that whether one holds a prominent public role like Erastus or is simply "a brother" like Quartus, each individual is equally precious in God's sight and vital to the health and vibrancy of the community. Our greetings, our interactions, and our willingness to serve one another are not peripheral but central to living out the Gospel, building up the church, and reflecting Christ's love to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the diversity of individuals mentioned in Romans 16:23 challenge or affirm your understanding of who belongs in the church?**
* **In what ways can you, like Gaius, practice hospitality to support your local church and traveling ministers or missionaries?**
* **How can we better cultivate genuine personal connections and "salutations" within our own church communities today, moving beyond mere acquaintanceship?**

### FAQ
**Who were Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus, and why are they mentioned in Romans 16:23?**

Answer: Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus were three individuals from Corinth who were with Paul when he wrote his letter to the Romans, and they extended their personal greetings to the Roman believers. Gaius is identified as Paul's host and a host to "the whole church," indicating his significant role in providing hospitality and a meeting place for the Christian community in Corinth. He is also mentioned in [1 Corinthians 1:14](/1_corinthians/1-14 "1 Corinthians 1:14 - Paul Baptized Gaius") as one Paul baptized, and possibly as the recipient of [3 John](/3_john/1 "3 John - John's Letter to Gaius"). Erastus is described as "the chamberlain of the city," a high-ranking civic official, likely responsible for public works or finances in Corinth. His inclusion highlights that Christianity attracted people from various social strata, including those in positions of influence. Erastus is also mentioned in [Acts 19:22](/acts/19-22 "Acts 19:22 - Erastus Sent with Timothy") and [2 Timothy 4:20](/2_timothy/4-20 "2 Timothy 4:20 - Erastus Remained in Corinth"). Quartus is simply called "a brother," emphasizing the spiritual kinship and equality among all believers, regardless of their specific roles or prominence. Their mention underscores the personal nature of early Christian fellowship and the interconnectedness of the broader church network.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Romans 16:23, with its focus on personal greetings and the diverse composition of the early church, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, who is the head of the church and the source of its unity and mission. The gathering of individuals from varied backgrounds—a generous host, a civic official, and a simple brother—all united in sending greetings, powerfully illustrates the universal scope of Christ's redemptive work. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ broke down all dividing walls, creating one new humanity (cf. [Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace")). The fellowship and hospitality exemplified by Gaius reflect the very heart of Christ, who welcomed all, even sinners and outcasts, into His presence (cf. [Luke 15:1-2](/luke/15-1-2 "Luke 15:1-2 - Jesus Welcomes Sinners")). The inclusion of Erastus, a man of civic standing, demonstrates that the Gospel of Christ is for all people, transcending social barriers and calling individuals from every sphere of life to repentance and faith (cf. [Colossians 3:11](/colossians/3-11 "Colossians 3:11 - No Distinction in Christ")). Ultimately, the "brotherhood" symbolized by Quartus points to the spiritual family forged by Christ's adoption, where all believers are co-heirs with Him and children of God (cf. [Romans 8:17](/romans/8-17 "Romans 8:17 - Heirs with Christ")). Thus, these personal greetings are not merely social pleasantries but a living testament to the transformative and unifying power of Christ, who builds His church into a vibrant, interconnected body reflecting His glory and love to the world (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - I Will Build My Church")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 19:22

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

1 Corinthians 1:14

¶ I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius;

2 Timothy 4:20

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

3 John 1:1

¶ The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

3 John 1:6

Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

Acts 20:4

And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

Acts 19:29

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.