Erastus Inscription at Corinth

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Erastus Inscription at Corinth

What It Is

A Latin pavement inscription found near the theater at Corinth reads:

> ERASTVS PRO AEDILITATE S[VA] P[ECVNIA] STRAVIT

> “Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid [this pavement] at his own expense.”

The inscription was discovered in 1928/1929 and is generally dated to the mid-1st century C.E., contemporary with Paul’s ministry in Corinth.

Why It Matters

  • The New Testament names an Erastus as “the chamberlain of the city” (KJV) or city treasurer in Romans 16:23, written from Corinth.
  • The Corinthian Erastus inscription attests a civic official of the same name holding a financial/public-works office in the same city at the same general period.
  • If the two Erasti are the same person, the inscription provides archaeological evidence for the social status of one of Paul’s associates.

The Biblical Figure

  • Erastus appears in the New Testament in three passages:
  • Romans 16:23 — “Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you”
  • Acts 19:22 — Paul sends Timothy and Erastus to Macedonia
  • 2 Timothy 4:20 — Erastus remained at Corinth
  • The KJV uses “chamberlain” for the Greek οἰκονόμος (oikonomos), meaning manager or treasurer.

KJV Connection

> “Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.” — Romans 16:23 (KJV)

  • Paul wrote Romans from Corinth, so the reference is to a Corinthian city official.
  • The title is not identical to “aedile” (a Latin office overseeing public buildings, streets, and the marketplace), but both involve city finances and public works.

Sources

  • Wikipedia — Erastus of Corinth: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erastus_of_Corinth
  • Bible Odyssey — Erastus, Gallio, and Paul: https://www.bibleodyssey.org/articles/erastus-gallio-and-paul/
  • David W.J. Gill, “Erastus the Aedile” (Tyndale Bulletin 40.2, 1989)
  • Steven J. Friesen, “The Wrong Erastus” (Corinth in Context, 2007)

Notes

  • Some scholars question whether the inscription’s Erastus is the same man mentioned by Paul. Others note the name is rare in Corinthian inscriptions and that the chronology fits.
  • The debate affects reconstructions of the social status of early Christians at Corinth.

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