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Erastus Inscription

Inscription mentioning Erastus, first century C.E., Corinth, Greece. Photograph by Todd Bolen.

In 1929, excavators discovered this inscription near a paved area northeast of the theater of Corinth. The inscription, which dates from the middle of the first century C.E., reads, “Erastus in return for his ship laid the pavement at his own expense” (Latin: ERASTVS. PRO. AED. S. P. STRAVIT). This inscription may refer to the New Testament figure Erastus, a high-level public official, who sent greetings from Corinth in Paul’s Letter to the Romans (Rom 16:23). Erastus is also said to be one of the “seventy disciples” of Christ mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. There is still debate, however, as to whether the Erastus mentioned in the inscription and the Erastus in Paul’s letter to the Romans were in fact the same person.

A dedicatory inscription containing the name “Erastus” (see Romans 16:23).

A gospel is an account that describes the life of Jesus of Nazareth.

A collection of first-century Jewish and early Christian writings that, along with the Old Testament, makes up the Christian Bible.

Rom 16:23

23Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

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