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Aristarchus

Portrait of Aristarchus

Aristarchus was a Macedonian from Thessalonica and a faithful traveling companion of Paul. He was seized by the mob in the Ephesus riot, accompanied Paul on the journey to Jerusalem and then on the perilous voyage to Rome, and is called by Paul his 'fellowprisoner' and 'fellowlabourer.' His steady presence through danger and imprisonment makes him a model of loyal partnership in the gospel.

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Biography

Occupation
Paul's companion
Era
New Testament (Acts)
Nationality
Macedonian (Thessalonica)
New Testament New Testament Era Acts

Did You Know?

1

Aristarchus was a Macedonian from Thessalonica who was seized by the rioting mob in Ephesus (Acts 19:29) and later sailed with Paul all the way to Rome, sharing the shipwreck voyage.

2

Paul twice calls him a 'fellowprisoner' (Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24), suggesting he voluntarily shared Paul's imprisonment - a portrait of costly loyalty.

3

His presence across three continents in the narrative - Greece, Asia Minor, and Italy - makes him one of the most well-traveled of Paul's companions.

Key Chapters

Key Passages

Seized in the Ephesus Riot

Acts 19:28-31

Aristarchus is caught up by the rioting crowd in Ephesus alongside Paul's companions.

A28nd when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath, and cried out, saying, Great is Diana of the Ephesians.

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paulโ€™s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre. 30 And when Paul would have entered in unto the people, the disciples suffered him not. 31 And certain of the chief of Asia, which were his friends, sent unto him, desiring him that he would not adventure himself into the theatre.

Read full chapter: Acts 19 โ†’

Paul's Fellow Prisoner

Colossians 4:10-11

Paul commends Aristarchus, his fellow prisoner, among the few who were a comfort to him.

A10ristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sisterโ€™s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)

11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.

Read full chapter: Colossians 4 โ†’