erastus Summary and Overview

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 labors. (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.

(beloved). 1. One of the attendants of St. Paul at Ephesus, who with Timothy was sent forward into Macedonia. #Ac 19:22| (A.D. 51.) He is probably the same with Erastus who is again mentioned in the salutations to Timothy. #2Ti 4:20| 2. Erastus the chamberlain, or rather the public treasurer, of Corinth, who was one of the early converts to Christianity. #Ro 16:23| According to the traditions of the Greek Church, he was first treasurer to the church at Jerusalem, and afterwards bishop of Paneas.

ERAS'TUS (beloved). 1. One of Paul's attendants, whom he sent with Timothy into Macedonia, Acts 19:22, and whom he salutes in his letter to Timothy. 2 Tim 4:20. 2. The "chamberlain" or treasurer of Corinth, and one of Paul's converts. Rom 16:23. Some identify him with the preceding, but upon insufficient grounds; for in this case we should expect the mention of his office in the Acts and in Timothy, as in Romans -- unless, indeed, he received the office after his conversion, which is very unlikely.

"Chamberlain," i.e. city steward and treasurer of Corinth (Romans 16:23). The conversion of so prominent a man marks the great success of Paul's labors there. He ministered to Paul, accompanying him on his last journey to his second imprisonment at Rome; but "abode at Corinth," going no further, as Paul notes (2 Timothy 4:20) to depict his utter desertion by man. Erastus the missionary is perhaps distinct, as a chamberlain's office would hardly admit of continued missionary journeys (Acts 19:22).