The Encourager to the Apostle
Achaicus is a Christian brother mentioned briefly, yet commendably, in the New Testament, specifically in the Apostle Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians. His name, which is of Greek origin, means “belonging to Achaia,” the Roman province encompassing Corinth and much of Southern Greece.
The Visit that Refreshed Paul
Achaicus is known for his journey from Corinth to Ephesus, where Paul was writing the epistle. He traveled alongside two other Christian men from Corinth, Stephanas and Fortunatus, and their arrival provided the Apostle with much-needed relief and firsthand information regarding the state of the church in Corinth.
Paul mentions their visit in the closing chapter of his letter, offering high praise for their service:
“I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such.” (1 Corinthians 16:17-18, KJV)
A Dedicated Servant of the Saints
While the Scripture only offers this short, powerful account, several key points about Achaicus and his companions can be understood from Paul’s words:
- Filling a Void: The phrase “that which was lacking on your part they have supplied” suggests that the three men likely carried a letter from the Corinthian church to Paul, conveying their questions and concerns, which formed the basis for much of Paul’s letter. They were the essential link between the Apostle and the church he founded.
- A Source of Comfort: Their presence and news had a deeply positive effect on Paul, as he testifies, “For they have refreshed my spirit.” This highlights Achaicus’s character as a comforting and encouraging believer whose dedication to Christ and service to the Apostle brought spiritual strength during a challenging time in Ephesus.
- Worthy of Honor: Paul’s instruction to the church, “therefore acknowledge ye them that are such,” serves as an apostolic endorsement and a command to the Corinthian believers to recognize and honor the faithful service of Achaicus, Stephanas, and Fortunatus. Stephanas’s household is also noted as “the firstfruits of Achaia” who had “addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints” (1 Corinthians 16:15), indicating that Achaicus was associated with a family of proven and devoted leaders in the Corinthian church.
Achaicus, though only mentioned once, stands as a notable example of a faithful and zealous layman whose personal ministry of service, communication, and encouragement was essential to the work of the early Church and the well-being of its leading Apostle.