Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
What's easily missed is the significance of the professions mentioned here. Erastus, "the city treasurer," wasn't just some random guy; he was a public official, a position of significant trust and influence, indicating that Christianity was attracting people from respectable societal ranks, not just the marginalized.
Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.
English Standard Version (ESV)
In these final verses, Paul sends warm greetings from individuals in Corinth, highlighting their significant roles within the church and society. Gaius is specifically mentioned as Paul's host and a generous supporter of the whole church, demonstrating remarkable hospitality. Erastus, the city treasurer, and Quartus, a fellow believer, also send their regards, showcasing that people from various social standings were embracing the Christian faith.
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to support a ministry? This verse highlights a crucial, often overlooked, form of service.
In ancient Corinth, hospitality wasn't just being nice; it was a vital ministry. Gaius, mentioned here, opened his home not only to Paul but to the entire church. This wasn't a small undertaking! It required significant resources and a deep commitment to the community.
The Open Door
When we think of the early church, we often picture fishermen or farmers. But what about the city officials?
The mention of Erastus, the "city treasurer" (or "chamberlain"), is incredibly significant. It shows that the gospel was reaching people from all walks of life, even those in positions of considerable influence and responsibility within society.
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Faith in High Places
Amidst the prominent names and titles, one figure is introduced with profound simplicity. What can we learn from this?
Quartus is simply called "our brother." In the context of the New Testament, this title carries immense weight. It signifies a shared identity in Christ, a spiritual kinship that transcends social status, background, or even previous relationships.
The Bond of Brotherhood
The mention of Gaius as host and Erastus as city treasurer highlights that Christianity, even in its early days, attracted individuals from various social strata, including those in positions of influence and financial responsibility within Roman society.
c. AD 52-55
Paul's Ministry in Corinth
The Apostle Paul spent a significant period (around 18 months) ministering in Corinth, a major Roman city. During this time, he established a church and likely lodged with a man named Gaius.
c. AD 57— this verse
Paul Writes Romans from Corinth
While in Corinth or a nearby city like Cenchreae, Paul pens the Epistle to the Romans. This letter is a profound theological work, but its closing greetings connect it to the community Paul ministered to.
c. AD 57
Greetings from Corinthian Christians
The verse names Gaius, Erastus, and Quartus as individuals sending greetings. Gaius is identified as Paul's host and a supporter of the church, Erastus as the city treasurer, and Quartus as a fellow believer.
This passage directly mentions Paul baptizing Gaius, confirming the personal connection between the apostle and this hospitable Corinthian, reinforcing the significance of Gaius's role as a host.
Acts 19:22This verse mentions Erastus being sent to Macedonia by Paul, suggesting a close working relationship and shared journey, though commentaries debate if this is the same Erastus as the city treasurer in Romans 16:23.
3 John 1:1The elder John writes to a beloved Gaius, praising his hospitality and faithfulness, which echoes the description of Gaius in Romans 16:23 as a host 'to me and to the whole church,' highlighting a consistent character trait across different apostolic figures.
1 Corinthians 1:26-29This section discusses how God calls not many of noble birth or power, but the weak and lowly, providing a backdrop for understanding that even a city treasurer like Erastus could be called by God, demonstrating His inclusive work.
vincentRomans 16:23: "Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother."
GaiusSee Acts 19:29; Acts 20:4; 1 Corinthians 1:14. Possibly the same in all three references.Chamberlain (οἰκονόμος)See on Luke 16:1. The word appears in the New Testament in two senses: 1. The slave who was employed to give the other slaves their rations. So Luke 7:42. 2. The land-steward, as Luke 16:1. Probably here the administrator of the city l…
cambridgeRomans 16:23: "Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother."
23 . Gaius ] The same Latin name as Caius . This Gaius may be the same as Gaius of Macedonia, ( Acts 19:29 ,) or as Gaius of Derbe, ( Acts 20:4 ;) and again the Gaius of 2 John may be identical with either of these. But the name was exceedingly common. We may be fairly sure that the Gaius here and the Gaius of 1 Corinthians 1:14 are the same. In this C…
What's easily missed is the significance of the professions mentioned here. Erastus, "the city treasurer," wasn't just some random guy; he was a public official, a position of significant trust and influence, indicating that Christianity was attracting people from respectable societal ranks, not just the marginalized.
In these final verses, Paul sends warm greetings from individuals in Corinth, highlighting their significant roles within the church and society. Gaius is specifically mentioned as Paul's host and a generous supporter of the whole church, demonstrating remarkable hospitality. Erastus, the city treasurer, and Quartus, a fellow believer, also send their regards, showcasing that people from various social standings were embracing the Christian faith.
In these final verses, Paul sends warm greetings from individuals in Corinth, highlighting their significant roles within the church and society. Gaius is specifically mentioned as Paul's host and a generous supporter of the whole church, demonstrating remarkable hospitality. Erastus, the city treasurer, and Quartus, a fellow believer, also send their regards, showcasing that people from various social standings were embracing the Christian faith.
"Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you." — What's easily missed is the significance of the professions mentioned here. Erastus, "the city treasurer," wasn't just some random guy; he was a public official, a position of significant trust and i…
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Last reviewed October 2026