Romans 16:23 kjv
Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.
Romans 16:23 nkjv
Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, and Quartus, a brother.
Romans 16:23 niv
Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings.
Romans 16:23 esv
Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
Romans 16:23 nlt
Gaius says hello to you. He is my host and also serves as host to the whole church. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you his greetings, and so does our brother Quartus.
Romans 16 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 15:26 | For Macedonia and Achaia have been pleased to make some contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem. | Shared giving |
| 1 Cor 1:10 | I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. | Unity in the church |
| 1 Cor 16:17 | I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence. | Church leaders and hospitality |
| 3 John 1:8 | Therefore we ought to support such men, that we may be fellow workers with the truth. | Supporting those who serve |
| Phil 4:10 | I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. Indeed, you were concerned, but had no opportunity. | Partnership in the Gospel |
| 2 Tim 4:20 | Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. | Erastus in Corinth |
| Acts 19:22 | And when he had sent Timothy, one of the two who aided him, into Macedonia, he himself stayed in Asia for a while. | Paul's companions |
| Acts 20:4 | Pauls companions to Asia | Paul's companions |
| Acts 16:1 | Paul came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish woman who believed, but whose father was a Greek. | Timothy and ministry |
| 2 Cor 1:24 | Not that we lord it over your faith, but we are workers with you for your joy, for you stand firm in your faith. | Co-workers in faith |
| 1 Peter 4:9 | Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. | Hospitality |
| 1 Tim 5:10 | and has a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has longed the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. | Qualifications for hospitality |
| Acts 18:2 | There he found a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had commanded all Jews to leave Rome. He went to them, and because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked. They were tentmakers. | Fellow workers |
| Phil 2:19-20 | I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like-minded who will genuinely care for your welfare. | Close companions |
| Heb 13:2 | Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. | Hospitality to strangers |
| Gal 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Service through love |
| Phil 1:5 | to participate in the gospel from the first day until now. | Partnership in the gospel |
| 1 John 4:7 | Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. | Love for one another |
| Matt 25:35-40 | For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me... and the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ | Welcoming Christ through others |
| Rom 16:2 | I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae. | Church servants |
| Titus 1:7-8 | For an overseer, as God's steward, must be above reproach. He may not be quarrelsome, nor a drinker, nor violent, nor greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. | Hospitable leadership |
Romans 16 verses
Romans 16 23 Meaning
This verse serves as a concluding blessing and a confirmation of hospitality towards those who send greetings. It highlights the importance of fellowship and shared faith within the early Christian community. Gaius is recognized for extending hospitality not just to Paul but also to the entire church. Erastus, as the city treasurer, likely provided a safe and official environment for the church to meet, signifying the growing influence and presence of Christianity even within civic structures.
Romans 16 23 Context
Romans 16 closes Paul's letter to the church in Rome, shifting from doctrinal exposition to personal greetings and commendations. This final chapter provides insight into Paul's extensive network of co-workers and the burgeoning Christian communities across the Roman Empire. Gaius and Erastus are mentioned here within the context of a significant gathering in Corinth, which is Paul's base for much of his ministry around the time this letter was likely written. The blessings and greetings reflect the strong bonds of fellowship and mutual support characteristic of the early church. Gaius’s hospitality and Erastus's position signify the practical ways believers supported the spread of the Gospel and Paul's ministry.
Romans 16 23 Word analysis
Gaius: (Greek: Γαῖος - Gaios) A common Roman name, indicating a possibly Roman convert or someone who hosted Paul and the church. His hospitality is a key characteristic here, mirroring the biblical emphasis on welcoming fellow believers and those who minister.
Host: (Greek: φιλοξενέω - philoxeneo) Literally "love of strangers" or "hospitality." It involves extending kindness and care to guests, particularly fellow believers. This was a vital practice in the ancient world for fostering community and supporting itinerant ministers.
Whole church: (Greek: ὅλον τὸ ἐκκλησίαν - holon to ekklesian) Refers to the entire body of Christ, both local and universal. Gaius’s generosity extended to all members of the church, not just individuals.
Erastus: (Greek: Ἐραστος - Erastos) Another common Greek name. His role as "city treasurer" (Greek: οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως - oikonomos tes poleos) signifies a position of civic responsibility and stewardship within Corinth. His continued association with Paul suggests his conversion and commitment to the faith despite his public role.
Treasurer: (Greek: οἰκονόμος - oikonomos) A manager, steward, or administrator, implying a position of trust and responsibility for public funds or property. His presence in Corinth, as confirmed in other epistles like 2 Timothy, underscores the integration of believers into various societal roles.
Quartus: (Greek: Κουαρτος - Quartos) Likely a Roman name, possibly derived from "fourth." His greeting signifies his connection to the Corinthian church and his solidarity with Paul's message.
Gaius, host of the whole church: Highlights the importance of hospitality as a spiritual gift and a practical expression of Christian love and community support. It's about creating a welcoming environment for all believers.
Erastus, the city treasurer: Demonstrates that Christianity could penetrate even civic leadership roles, and those in positions of authority could remain committed to the faith. His continued presence in Corinth shows a settled, foundational role in the church there.
Romans 16 23 Bonus section
The mention of Erastus in Corinth connects this verse to historical and archaeological evidence. Excavations in Corinth have unearthed an inscription mentioning "Erastus, in return for his ( = aedileship) laid the pavement at his own expense." This suggests he held a significant municipal office and was a man of means, reinforcing his identity as the city treasurer or a high-ranking official. This biblical account of Erastus's position aligns with historical findings, providing a tangible link to the individuals Paul mentioned and the context of early Christianity in a prominent Roman city like Corinth.
Romans 16 23 Commentary
This concluding verse emphasizes practical Christian living and fellowship. Gaius's generosity in hosting the church is a significant aspect of his faith, showcasing the importance of providing for the community. Erastus's role as city treasurer indicates that believers held positions of influence and responsibility in the Roman world, and their faith could coexist with their civic duties. The inclusion of Quartus rounds out these specific commendations, adding another personal connection to the church in Rome and reinforcing the widespread network of believers Paul interacted with. The verse underscores that faith is not just belief, but also active participation and support within the Christian community.