from (to love); beloved; Erastus, a Christian:--Erastus.
Transliteration:Érastos
Pronunciation:er'-as-tos
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek proper noun G2037 (Erastos), transliterated as Érastos, is derived from the root of the Greek verb ἔραμαι (eramai), meaning "to love," or more broadly, from ἔρως (eros), which relates to passionate love or desire. As a personal name, Erastus carries the intrinsic meaning of "beloved" or "lovely." Unlike common nouns, its semantic range is fixed by its function as an identifier for a specific individual, with its etymological root providing a descriptive quality rather than a flexible meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Erastus is mentioned three times in the New Testament, consistently referring to the same individual, a Christian associate of the Apostle Paul:
* **[[Acts 19:22]]**: Here, Erastus is listed alongside Timothy as one of Paul's trusted co-workers whom he sent ahead into Macedonia while he himself remained in Asia. This indicates Erastus was a reliable and capable companion, entrusted with important tasks in the burgeoning missionary efforts of the early church. His participation underscores the collaborative nature of apostolic ministry.
* **[[Romans 16:23]]**: In this significant passage, Erastus is identified as "the city treasurer" (*οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως*) of Corinth. This detail is highly important, indicating a person of considerable social standing and administrative authority within a major Roman city. His position suggests that the early Christian community attracted individuals from diverse backgrounds, including those in prominent civic roles. The inclusion of his greeting to the Roman church further emphasizes the interconnectedness of early Christian communities. Furthermore, archaeological evidence from Corinth, specifically an inscription naming an "Erastus" as an aedile (a public official responsible for public works) in the Roman colony, strongly corroborates this biblical account, providing valuable extra-biblical confirmation of his existence and status.
* **[[2 Timothy 4:20]]**: Paul's brief statement, "Erastus remained at Corinth," provides a final glimpse into his location and ministry. This short note, within Paul's final epistle, suggests Erastus's continued dedication to the church in Corinth and his steadfast presence in that significant urban center.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Etymological Roots**: The name Erastus is intrinsically linked to Greek words conveying the idea of "love" or "desire," such as ἔρως (eros) or ἔραμαι (eramai). While the name simply means "beloved," its origin conceptually connects it to the broader theological theme of love, a foundational principle in Christian teaching.
* **Paul's Co-workers**: Erastus is part of the extensive network of individuals who collaborated with Paul in his missionary endeavors. This group, including figures like Timothy, Titus, Silas, and Luke, highlights the communal and interdependent nature of early Christian outreach and church planting.
* **Christians in Civic Office**: Erastus's unique position as a "city treasurer" in Corinth places him among the few biblical figures explicitly noted as holding significant public office. This challenges simplistic notions of early Christian demographics, demonstrating that the faith permeated various societal levels, including those of influence and authority.
* **Epistolary Greetings**: His inclusion in the greetings of [[Romans 16:23]] aligns him with the common practice in early Christian letters, where personal salutations served to affirm communal bonds, shared faith, and mutual recognition among believers across geographical distances.
### Theological Significance
* **Divine Sovereignty and Human Vocation**: Erastus's life illustrates how God calls and uses individuals from all walks of life, including those in positions of worldly influence, to advance His kingdom. His high civic office in Corinth demonstrates that no sphere of life is outside the reach of God's redemptive purpose, and all vocations can be consecrated to divine service.
* **The Inclusivity and Universality of the Gospel**: The presence of a prominent city official like Erastus within the early Christian community in Corinth, a bustling Roman metropolis, underscores the Gospel's profound appeal across social, economic, and cultural divides. It refutes any narrow perception that early Christianity was exclusively a movement of the marginalized, demonstrating its capacity to transform and integrate individuals from all societal strata.
* **The Necessity of Partnership in Ministry**: Erastus's role as a trusted companion and co-worker of Paul highlights the essential collaborative nature of apostolic ministry. The rapid spread of the Gospel was not a solitary endeavor but a collective enterprise, relying on the diverse gifts, dedication, and mutual support of numerous individuals working together.
* **The Practicality of Early Christian Life**: The brief mentions of Erastus provide valuable insights into the tangible realities of early Christian existence, including the logistics of travel, the integration of faith into daily civic and professional life, and the enduring commitment of believers to local churches.
### Summary
Erastus (G2037), whose name signifies "beloved," emerges from the New Testament as a significant figure closely associated with the Apostle Paul. He is identified as a trusted co-worker, dispatched by Paul on important missions ([[Acts 19:22]]). Most notably, Erastus held the prestigious civic position of "city treasurer" or "director of public works" in Corinth ([[Romans 16:23]]), a detail remarkably corroborated by archaeological evidence. This unique status underscores the Gospel's pervasive influence across various social strata, demonstrating that individuals of high standing were drawn to the Christian faith. His continued presence in Corinth ([[2 Timothy 4:20]]) indicates a sustained commitment to the local church. The study of Erastus illuminates the diverse individuals God employs in His kingdom, the collaborative essence of early Christian ministry, and the profound reach of the Gospel within the Roman world, even among those in positions of civic authority. His life serves as a compelling testament to the fact that all vocations can be consecrated to God's service.
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