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Aristarchus

Man living at the time of the New Testament

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

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Aristarchus was a Macedonian Christian from Thessalonica who became a close companion and fellow worker of the apostle Paul. He is mentioned several times in the New Testament, providing insight into his dedication to the gospel and his support of Paul's ministry.

In Act.19.29, during the riot in Ephesus, Aristarchus and Gaius are described as Paul's traveling companions who were seized by the mob. This incident highlights the dangers faced by early Christians as they spread the gospel message.

Aristarchus is later mentioned as one of the delegates who accompanied Paul on his journey to Jerusalem (Act.20.4), demonstrating his commitment to supporting Paul and the church. In Act.27.2, we learn that Aristarchus was also with Paul during his voyage to Rome as a prisoner, further emphasizing his loyalty and willingness to face hardships for the sake of the gospel.

In Paul's letters, Aristarchus is described as a fellow prisoner (Col. Act.4.10) and a fellow worker (Phm. Act.1.24). These references suggest that Aristarchus not only traveled with Paul but also shared in his sufferings and labored alongside him in ministry.

Aristarchus' consistent presence in Paul's life, from his missionary journeys to his imprisonment, testifies to his unwavering faith and dedication to the spread of the gospel. His example serves as an encouragement to believers to remain faithful and committed to serving Christ, even in the face of adversity.

Connections

Part of: Paul's Circle · Roman Officials

Aristarchus, traveler and prisoner with Paul

WorkStated in the text

Aristarchus of Thessalonica was seized in the Ephesian riot, travelled with Paul in the collection party, and sailed with him toward Rome. Paul calls him a fellow prisoner.

Where the text shows it: Acts 19:29 — Seized in EphesusActs 20:4 — Travels with PaulActs 27:2 — Sails with Paul and the "we" partyColossians 4:10 — Fellow prisoner

Sources: Scripture

Bible dictionary

Aristarchus Easton Easton’s Bible Dictionary (1897)

Best ruler, native of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4), a companion of Paul (Acts 19:29; 27:2). He was Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” at Rome (Col. 4:10; Philemon 1:24).

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Aristarchus Smith Smith’s Bible Dictionary (1863)

(the best ruler), a Thessalonian, (Acts 20:4; 27:2) who accompanied St. Paul on his third missionary journey. (Acts 19:29) He was with the apostle on his return to Asia, (Acts 20:4) and again, Acts 27:2 On his voyage to Rome. We trace him afterwards as St. Paul’s fellow prisoner in (Colossians 4:10) and Phle 1:24 Tradition makes him bishop of Apamea.

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Aristarchus Hitchcock Hitchcock’s Bible Names Dictionary (1869)

the best prince

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Aristarchus Hastings Hastings’ Dictionary of the Bible (1898)

ARISTAR'CHUS (best ruler), a Macedonian of Thessalonica who accompanied Paul upon his third missionary journey. Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2. He was nearly killed in the tumult which Demetrius excited in Ephesus, Acts 19:29, and it is said that he was finally beheaded in Rome. Paul alludes to him both as his fellow-laborer and fellow-prisoner. Col 4:10; Phile 24.

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Aristarchus Schaff Schaff’s Dictionary of the Bible

ARISTAR'CHUS (best ruler), a Macedonian of Thessalonica who accompanied Paul upon his third missionary journey. Acts 20:4; Acts 27:2. He was nearly killed in the tumult which Demetrius excited in Ephesus, Acts 19:29, and it is said that he was finally beheaded in Rome. Paul alludes to him both as his fellow-laborer and fellow-prisoner. Col 4:10; Phile 24.

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Easton (1897), Smith (1863), Hitchcock (1869), Hastings (1898) and Schaff are in the public domain. Parsed text: neuu-org/bible-dictionary-dataset (CC BY 4.0). Headwords and whitespace normalised for this site.

Where Aristarchus appears

5 verses in 3 books · English text: BSB (change it from the menu at the top) · Strong’s G0708

Acts3
Colossians1
Philemon1

Names, family links and references: STEPBible TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Short descriptions were drafted with AI assistance by STEPBible. Family links follow STEPBible’s scholarly decisions where genealogies are ambiguous.