📖 Biblical Definition
Erastus was a Corinthian believer who held the office of city treasurer (Greek oikonomos tēs poleōs, sometimes translated "chamberlain") and sent his greetings to the Roman church through Paul: "Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you" (Romans 16:23). He appears later as a co-laborer traveling with Paul (Acts 19:22) and as one whom Paul left at Corinth during a later journey: "Erastus abode at Corinth" (2 Timothy 4:20). His name has been recovered archaeologically on a first-century Corinthian inscription crediting an Erastus "who paved this pavement at his own expense in return for his aedileship." The civic-officer Christian is a model — kingdom citizenship lived out faithfully in a Roman public office.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
ERASTUS — not a common noun; a Greek personal name preserved in Scripture as a model of a magistrate who served Christ.
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Webster 1828 does not contain Erastus as a headword. The name belongs to the New Testament record and signifies one held in affection by the apostolic company — a believer of civic standing whose office did not hinder his ministry.
📖 Key Scripture
Romans 16:23 — "Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother."
2 Timothy 4:20 — "Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick."
Acts 19:22 — "So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus."
Romans 16:23b — "…the treasurer of the city greets you…"
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern readers skip the named saints in Romans 16, missing the proof that the gospel reached every social class.
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The pulpit often reduces Romans 16 to a name-list to be hurried through, yet each name is a monument. Erastus held public office in a pagan city and bowed to Christ without abandoning his post; the modern false dichotomy that pits faith against civic service finds no shelter here.
The corruption is to assume Christianity belongs only to the cloister or the suffering poor. Erastus stands as an answer: a treasurer, a man of accounts and accountability, named beside Paul because the gospel claims kings and clerks alike.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
From Greek erastos (G2037) — beloved, dear; a name conveying affection.
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G2037 — Erastos — Erastus; a Christian; from eraō (to love)
G3623 — oikonomos — steward, treasurer, manager of a household or city
G2541 — Korinthos — Corinth; the Achaian capital where Erastus served
Usage
"Erastus the treasurer greets you (Romans 16:23)."
"Erastus stayed in Corinth (2 Timothy 4:20)."
"Erastus shows that public office and discipleship can coexist."