Who was Aristarchus in the Bible?

Aristarchus was a Macedonian believer from Thessalonica who became a devoted companion and fellow worker of the Apostle Paul. He is mentioned as traveling with Paul and even being imprisoned with him, demonstrating great loyalty (Acts 19:29; Colossians 4:10).

What did Aristarchus do with the Apostle Paul?

Aristarchus accompanied Paul on his missionary journeys and was with him during a riot in Ephesus (Acts 19:29). He later traveled with Paul to Jerusalem and Rome, even sharing in his imprisonment, as noted in Paul's letters (Philemon 1:24).

Why is Aristarchus significant in the New Testament?

Aristarchus is a significant example of a faithful, supportive companion in early Christian ministry, willing to face danger and imprisonment for the gospel. His presence with Paul highlights the importance of teamwork and loyalty in spreading the Christian message.

Aristarchus

New TestamentNew TestamentMale

Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was a faithful companion of Paul during his missionary journeys and imprisonment.

Aristarchus

Biography

Aristarchus of Thessalonica in Macedonia was among Paul's most devoted traveling companions in the New Testament. He first appears in Acts 19:29 when a riot erupted in Ephesus over the silversmith Demetrius's grievance against Paul's preaching; Aristarchus was seized by the mob along with Gaius. He accompanied Paul on his return journey through Macedonia and Greece (Acts 20:4) and later sailed with him as a prisoner toward Rome, braving the dangerous sea voyage described in Acts 27:2. Paul mentions him affectionately in Colossians 4:10 as a fellow prisoner and in Philemon 24 as a fellow worker. His consistent presence across Paul's most perilous seasons marks him as a man of extraordinary loyalty and courage in the service of the gospel.

Significance

Aristarchus embodies the costly nature of apostolic companionship in Paul's ministry. His willingness to be seized in Ephesus, to travel dangerous routes, and to share in Paul's imprisonment speaks to the depth of Christian fellowship and solidarity that characterized the early church. Theologically, Aristarchus represents what Paul called the koinonia, the partnership in the gospel, that sustained the missionary enterprise of the New Testament era. His story challenges later readers to consider the sacrificial dimensions of Christian service, reminding them that the spread of the gospel has historically depended on those willing to share in its sufferings as well as its triumphs (Philippians 1:29).

Verse Appearances (5)

References

Orr, J. (ed.) (1915) The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia. Chicago: Howard-Severance Company. [Public Domain]
Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Individualised Proper Names with all References (TIPNR). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
Church of England (1769) The Holy Bible, Authorized (King James) Version. [Public Domain]

View all sources & licensing →

See our editorial standards →

Content compiled from public domain scholarship, academic sources, and verified references. Editorial standards · View all sources