Romans 16 23

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 verses

Romans 16 23 Meaning

Romans 16:23 concludes Paul's personal greetings from Corinth, specifically mentioning three individuals: Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus. Gaius is presented as a remarkably hospitable individual, not only hosting Paul personally but also providing his home as a meeting place for the entire Corinthian church. Erastus is highlighted by his significant public office as "the city treasurer," indicating a person of high social standing and administrative importance within the city. Quartus is simply identified as "a brother," signifying his spiritual kinship within the Christian community. The verse collectively underscores the diverse social fabric of the early church in Corinth, ranging from prominent officials to fellow believers, all united in Christian fellowship and actively participating in the work of God through hospitality and shared faith.

Romans 16 23 Context

Romans chapter 16 serves primarily as a personal epilogue to Paul's extensive theological letter to the Roman believers. Having laid out foundational doctrines of salvation by grace through faith, Paul now transitions to warm, personal greetings and commendations, illustrating the practical reality of the gospel lived out in community. These final verses are a testament to the apostle's vast network of co-workers, friends, and churches. Paul is writing this letter from Corinth, likely during his three-month stay recorded in Acts 20:2-3, around A.D. 57-58. He is preparing for a journey to Jerusalem and hopes to visit Rome on his way to Spain (Rom 15:23-24). The greetings sent to Rome from Corinth highlight the interconnectedness of early Christian communities across the Roman Empire. The specific individuals mentioned in verse 23 illustrate the social diversity of the early church in Corinth: Gaius represents profound hospitality, a crucial virtue in the early church; Erastus signifies the presence of believers in positions of civic authority; and Quartus embodies the general fellowship of believers, simply identified as "a brother."

Romans 16 23 Word analysis

• Gaius (Γάϊος, Gaios): A very common Roman praenomen (first name). This Gaius is specifically identified by Paul, not just as an acquaintance, but by his exceptional role.
• host (ξένος, xenos): Literally "guest-friend," "stranger," or one who entertains a guest. Here, in the context of Paul's stay, it clearly denotes "host." It underscores his generosity and commitment to hospitality (φιλοξενία, philoxenia – love of strangers), a high virtue in the early church, allowing the Christian mission to thrive.
• of me: Paul himself, confirming Gaius's direct hospitality to the apostle, indicating a close personal relationship and a period of Paul lodging in Gaius's home.
• and of the whole church: This significant phrase reveals that Gaius's home served as the regular meeting place for the entire Christian assembly in Corinth. This highlights the early church's structure, primarily meeting in "house churches," and Gaius's substantial resources or large enough home to accommodate the local community. His open house was central to their fellowship.
• greets you (ἀσπάζεται, aspazetai): A standard Greek epistolary greeting, expressing good wishes, affection, and solidarity from the sender (here, the individual named) to the recipients (the Roman believers).
• Erastus (Ἔραστος, Erastos): Another Roman name, meaning "beloved" or "amiable." His identity is uniquely specified.
• the city treasurer (ὁ οἰκονόμος τῆς πόλεως, ho oikonomos tēs poleōs):
  • οἰκονόμος (oikonomos): Meaning "steward," "manager," or "administrator." While it can refer to a household manager, here it is clearly attached to "the city."
  • τῆς πόλεως (tēs poleōs): "of the city."Together, this title identifies Erastus as a high-ranking municipal official, perhaps in charge of public funds or public works in Corinth. This indicates that Christianity had penetrated the upper echelons of society, showcasing the gospel's reach beyond the marginalized and the diversity within the early church. It also suggests that early Christians could hold positions of significant public responsibility.
• and Quartus (Κούαρτος, Kouartos): A Roman cognomen meaning "fourth" (e.g., of birth order). His brief mention shows he is part of Paul's immediate fellowship.
• a brother (ὁ ἀδελφός, ho adelphos): Literally "the brother." This common designation within the New Testament for fellow believers emphasizes spiritual kinship and community. Unlike Gaius or Erastus, he's identified solely by his Christian identity, stressing the unity of believers irrespective of their social standing or public roles.

Romans 16 23 Bonus section

The mention of Erastus, the city treasurer, is significant for the historicity of the New Testament. An inscription found in Corinth in 1929 and dating to the first century A.D. reads: "Erastus, in return for his aedileship, laid the pavement at his own expense." While it identifies Erastus as an aedilis (magistrate in charge of public works and buildings), which is a slightly different title from oikonomos (treasurer/steward), many scholars believe this inscription likely refers to the same Erastus mentioned by Paul. An aedilis often had significant control over municipal funds and public expenditures, making the roles closely related in civic importance. This archaeological find offers powerful, extrabiblical confirmation of a specific individual mentioned in Paul's letters, showcasing the historical accuracy embedded in the seemingly simple greetings of the New Testament. It connects a biblical figure to the concrete material culture of the Roman world, underscoring the real-world setting of the early Christian movement.

Romans 16 23 Commentary

Romans 16:23 offers a glimpse into the vibrant and diverse social dynamics of the Corinthian church. Gaius, an exemplary host, exemplifies Christian hospitality, transforming his home into a sanctuary for both the Apostle Paul and the entire local Christian assembly. This role highlights the pivotal importance of house churches in early Christianity. Erastus, holding the prominent position of "city treasurer," testifies to the gospel's impact across social strata, including those with civic influence. His presence refutes the notion that early Christianity was exclusively for the poor or marginalized and demonstrates Christians actively serving in public office. Quartus, simply identified as "a brother," represents the broader community of faithful, united by spiritual kinship. Together, these greetings underline the foundational principles of early church life: radical hospitality, the diverse background of believers, and their profound unity and fellowship in Christ. The verse ultimately paints a picture of a cohesive Christian community, actively engaged in supporting gospel work and bound together across various social standings.