As of today, only about 5% of ancient Corinth has been excavated, leaving most of the city’s history buried beneath the earth. Yet even with this small fraction unearthed, archaeologists have uncovered remarkable finds, one of which is the famous Erastus inscription—a mysterious clue linking the bustling world of Roman Corinth to the early Christian community.
The Erastus Inscription
The inscription, carved into a stone pavement near the amphitheater, reads:"Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid this pavement at his own expense."
This brief statement tells us much about Erastus. As an aedile, a Roman official responsible for public works and maintaining the city’s infrastructure, Erastus would have held a significant civic position in Corinth. His wealth and influence were such that he could afford to sponsor public projects like the paving of streets—an act of civic generosity often meant to secure or demonstrate power and status.
However, the real intrigue lies in the possibility that this Erastus may also be the Erastus mentioned in the New Testament, connected to none other than the Apostle Paul.
The Erastus of the Bible
Paul’s letter to the Romans refers to an Erastus in a similarly prominent position:"Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings..." (Romans 16:23, NIV)
Here, Erastus is identified as the oikonomos—translated as "city treasurer" or "steward." This role placed him in charge of managing the city’s finances, a position of considerable influence. If the Erastus of the inscription is indeed this same individual, he would have been both a high-ranking Roman official and a member of the early Christian church, working alongside Paul.
Additionally, Paul references Erastus in other letters. In 2 Timothy 4:20, Paul writes:"Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus." (NIV)
This shows Erastus' continued presence in Corinth during Paul’s later journeys, further solidifying the possibility of a close connection between this individual and the early Christian movement in the city.
The Debate: Are They the Same Person?
While the New Testament and the inscription both mention an influential figure named Erastus in Corinth, scholars are divided on whether these references point to the same person.
On one side, those who support the connection argue that the coincidence of name, location, and prominence is too strong to dismiss. Corinth, after all, was where Paul spent significant time during his missionary journeys (Acts 18:1–11), and the overlap between a city official named Erastus in both the inscription and the Bible suggests a plausible link. The timing of the inscription also fits within the broader context of Paul’s ministry in the 50’s of the 1st century A.D.
On the other side, skeptics caution that “Erastus” was a common name in the Roman Empire. Additionally, there is a distinction between the roles of aedile and treasurer. Aediles managed public works, while treasurers handled the city's finances. Could Erastus have held both positions, or are these simply two individuals who shared the same name?
A Glimpse Into Early Christian Influence
Regardless of whether they are the same individual, the connection between the Erastus of the Bible and the Erastus inscription offers us a fascinating window into the spread of Christianity in the Roman world. Corinth was a strategic hub for trade and culture, and the presence of a high-ranking official like Erastus in the early church suggests that the Gospel message reached all levels of society, from common laborers to city officials.
Paul's time in Corinth was transformative, not just for him but for the community there. Acts 18 tells us that he stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching and establishing a church in the heart of this cosmopolitan city. In his letters, Paul often emphasized unity across social classes and backgrounds, echoing the teaching that “there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28, NIV). If Erastus the treasurer and Erastus the aedile were the same person, he would represent a powerful example of how Christianity began to penetrate not only the lower classes but also the elite circles of Roman society.
Conclusion: What We Know and What We Don’t
The Erastus inscription remains one of the most tantalizing finds from ancient Corinth, connecting us to the world of early Christianity and the complex social dynamics of the Roman Empire. Was this the same Erastus who worked alongside Paul, spreading the Gospel in a city known for its wealth, immorality, and diversity? Or are we dealing with a case of mistaken identity?
As archaeologists continue to unearth more of ancient Corinth—95% of which is still unexplored—we may one day uncover more evidence that could solve the mystery. For now, the Erastus inscription invites us to reflect on the intersection of faith, history, and the powerful forces shaping the early Christian church.
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