The name Aristarchus (Greek: Aristarchos) means “best ruler” or “best prince.” He was a devoted early Christian whose life is documented in the book of Acts and in Paul’s Epistles, where he is consistently portrayed as a loyal and courageous follower of the Apostle Paul through some of his most harrowing trials.
1. The Tumult in Ephesus
Aristarchus first appears in scripture during the Apostle Paul’s ministry in Ephesus (circa A.D. 53–56). He is identified as a Macedonian of Thessalonica, and his presence demonstrates the spread of the Gospel into the region of Greece.
His first mention is during the great riot instigated by Demetrius, a silversmith whose trade of making silver shrines for the goddess Diana was threatened by Paul’s successful preaching. Aristarchus, along with another companion, Gaius, became a target of the angry mob.
Acts 19:29 describes the scene:
“And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.” (KJV, emphasis added).
Aristarchus faced great personal danger as a symbol of the new Christian faith, but he was protected during the tumult, a testament to his commitment to the Gospel cause.
2. The Companion on the Journey to Jerusalem
Following the riot, Aristarchus continued his close association with Paul. He is recorded as one of the delegates chosen to travel with Paul, carrying a collection from the Gentile churches for the needy believers in Jerusalem.
Acts 20:4 lists him among this company:
“And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.” (KJV, emphasis added).
This journey highlights Aristarchus’s role not just as a traveling companion, but as a recognized and trusted emissary, participating in the vital acts of Christian charity and fellowship that bound the early Church together.
3. The Fellow Prisoner on the Way to Rome
Aristarchus’s greatest act of loyalty and service is documented when Paul was sent as a prisoner from Caesarea to Rome to appeal to Caesar. Rather than allowing Paul to face the dangerous journey and imprisonment alone, Aristarchus volunteered to go with him, sharing his tribulation.
Acts 27:2 confirms this presence at the start of the voyage:
“And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.” (KJV, emphasis added).
This journey was fraught with peril, including a shipwreck, and Aristarchus’s companionship would have been a great comfort and practical help to Paul.
4. The Fellow-Labourer in Captivity
Finally, Aristarchus is mentioned by Paul in two of his prison epistles written from Rome (circa A.D. 60–62), confirming his continued presence and loyalty:
- In the Epistle to the Colossians, Paul refers to him as a fellow prisoner:”Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister’s son to Barnabas, (touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)” (Colossians 4:10, KJV, emphasis added).
- In the Epistle to Philemon, he is listed as one of Paul’s co-workers in the Gospel:”There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus; Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.” (Philemon 23-24, KJV, emphasis added).
The phrase “my fellowprisoner” (Col. 4:10) is powerful evidence of his ultimate commitment; he chose to face the rigors and dangers of Paul’s Roman captivity alongside him.
In conclusion, Aristarchus is an exemplary figure of Christian devotion. He was a man who endured public persecution, undertook long and dangerous ministry journeys, and willingly shared imprisonment with the Apostle Paul, earning the high commendation of being listed among Paul’s most faithful and trusted “fellowlabourers” in the Gospel of Christ.