In brief
Aristarchus is a Christian of Thessalonica, in Macedonia, who accompanies the apostle Paul at several stages of his ministry. Dragged into the theater by force during the riot at Ephesus, he stays at Paul's side, goes with him toward Asia, then sails with him, a prisoner, bound for Italy. Paul later calls him his fellow prisoner and fellow worker. He is remembered for a loyalty that shrinks neither from danger nor from prison.
What does the name Aristarchus mean?
Aristarchus is a Greek name, generally linked to two words suggesting excellence and rule. The Bible does not explain it; it presents him as “Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica” (Acts 27:2).
The story of Aristarchus
Dragged into the theater at Ephesus
Acts 19:28-29At Ephesus, the silversmith Demetrius stirs the craftsmen up against Paul. Filled with anger, they cry out, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” The whole city is filled with confusion, and the crowd rushes into the theater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia and Paul's companions in travel. Aristarchus thus bears the anger aimed at the apostle.
On the road to Asia
Acts 20:4-6After the uproar, Paul leaves for Macedonia and Greece. Several brothers accompany him as far as Asia, including Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians. They go ahead and wait for Paul at Troas. In spite of what he went through at Ephesus, Aristarchus stays on the apostle's team.
Embarking for Italy
Acts 27:1-2When it is determined that Paul, a prisoner, will be taken to Italy, he is delivered to a centurion named Julius. Luke writes that they embark in a ship of Adramyttium, with Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with them. Aristarchus is therefore among those who accompany Paul on this voyage toward Rome.
Fellow prisoner
Colossians 4:10-11In his letter to the Colossians, Paul passes on the greetings of “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner.” He counts him, with Mark and Jesus who is called Justus, among those of the circumcision who have worked with him for God's Kingdom and have been a comfort to him.
Fellow worker
Philemon 24In the short letter to Philemon, Aristarchus is again among those who send greetings, along with Mark, Demas and Luke. Paul calls them his fellow workers. From the uproar at Ephesus to imprisonment, Aristarchus always appears at the apostle's side, though the Bible records not a single word he said.
What Aristarchus teaches us
- Following Jesus may expose us to hostility, but faithfulness does not shrink from danger.
- Staying at a brother's side in trial is a precious form of service.
- A discreet co-worker can be a real comfort to a servant of God.
- God's work is built with companions who persevere over the long run.
Key verses
As Paul sets out for Italy as a prisoner, Aristarchus is with him. His presence on this voyage shows a loyalty that goes beyond the easy days of ministry.
Paul calls Aristarchus his fellow prisoner and counts him among those who worked with him for God's Kingdom and comforted him.
Bible verses to meditate on
Frequently asked questions
Why does Paul call Aristarchus his fellow prisoner?
Paul calls him this in Colossians 4:10, without giving details about the circumstances. The book of Acts shows that Aristarchus embarked with Paul when he was being taken as a prisoner to Italy (Acts 27:1-2). The Bible says no more, and it is better not to fill in his story.
Where did Aristarchus come from?
Luke presents him as a Macedonian of Thessalonica (Acts 27:2; Acts 20:4). He is already called a Macedonian during the riot at Ephesus (Acts 19:29). Paul also counts him among his fellow workers of the circumcision (Colossians 4:10-11).
Where is Aristarchus in the Bible?
Aristarchus appears in the book of Acts (Acts 19:29, 20:4 and 27:2) and in two letters of Paul: Colossians 4:10 and Philemon 24. These passages show him in the Ephesus riot, traveling with Paul and at his side during his imprisonment.