After these things were ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, After I have been there, I must also see Rome. So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. (Acts 19:21-22)
Erastus was the treasurer of the city of Corinth. He collected taxes and was responsible for paying for the city’s expenses. Appointments to such positions were given only to those who had proven themselves in the private sector as businessmen.
Erastus was in the upper echelon of the wealthy citizens in Corinth. Everyone in the city knew who he was. He was also a devout Christian.
Erastus’ testimony is the fact that he didn’t think himself too highly. He did any task God would give him, to the extent that he became someone who would serve Paul in his efforts to spread the gospel. In Acts 19:21-22, Erastus was asked to travel with Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica. That trip was roughly 312 miles on foot. There aren’t too many successful businessmen who would be willing to go on such a dirty and dangerous road for God’s purpose. But Erastus had a servant’s heart. Erastus not only gave of his energy and strength to serve God but also his finances. He provided the funds for Paul and his companions to be fed, housed, and taken care of during their journeys throughout the empire to tell others of the good news of Jesus.
Erastus viewed everything he had as gifts from God and as tools for him to use to support the spread of the Gospel. This businessman was vital to the missionary journeys of the early church.
Practical Application – God has given you unique gifts, talents, and finances not solely for your comfort, but so you can use it to further kingdom purposes. How can God use you?
Romans 16:23; 2 Timothy 4:20