Lexical Summary Phortounatos: Laden, burdened Original Word: φορτουνατος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Fortunatus. Of Latin origin; "fortunate"; Fortunatus, a Christian -- Fortunatus. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof Latin origin Definition "prosperous, lucky," Fortunatus, a Christian NASB Translation Fortunatus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5415: ΦορτουνᾶτοςΦορτουνᾶτος (or Φουρτουνατος R G), Φορτουνάτου, ὁ (a Latin name, 'happy'), Fortunatus, a Christian of Corinth (cf. Lightfoot on Clement of Rome, 1 Cor. 59(65 [ET])): 1 Corinthians 16:17. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Fortunatus (Greek Φορτουνατός) carries the idea of being “fortunate” or “blessed.” The Latin style of the name hints at a background influenced by Roman culture, something common in cosmopolitan Corinth. Single New Testament Appearance 1 Corinthians 16:17 – “I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you.” Historical Setting Paul was writing from Ephesus during his third missionary journey. The Corinthian church had sent questions and perhaps financial aid by the hands of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. In a day when travel from Corinth to Ephesus involved a sea voyage of roughly two hundred miles, their willingness to undertake the journey shows notable commitment. Role as a Trusted Delegate 1. Courier of correspondence. By bringing news, questions, and likely the Corinthian letter that prompted 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 7:1), Fortunatus helped maintain doctrinal unity between the congregation and its founding apostle. Relationship to Stephanas’ Household Paul identifies “the household of Stephanas” as “the firstfruits of Achaia” (1 Corinthians 16:15). Many commentators see Fortunatus as either a member of that family circle or one closely associated with it, sharing in its pattern of devoted service to the saints. Character and Ministry Traits • Servant-hearted: crossing the Aegean solely to benefit Paul and the wider church. Possible Later Tradition Early ecclesiastical lists occasionally include a Fortunatus among the Seventy disciples sent out by the Lord (Luke 10). While impossible to verify, the tradition underscores how early Christians remembered him as an evangelistic figure, not merely a messenger. Theological Significance Fortunatus illustrates the New Testament pattern of lay believers who: 1. Bridge distances between churches. Lessons for Today • Gospel partnership is not limited to teaching elders; trusted laypersons play vital roles in communication and relief. Related Scriptural Themes Acts 20:4; Philippians 2:25–30; 2 Corinthians 8:16–24 – portraits of other delegates who carried offerings and letters, showing the New Testament pattern Fortunatus exemplifies. Forms and Transliterations Φορτουνατου Φορτουνάτου Phortounatou PhortounátouLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |