Lexical Summary Achaikos: Achaicus Original Word: Ἀχαϊκός Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Achaicus. From Achaia; an Achaian; Achaicus, a Christian -- Achaicus. see GREEK Achaia NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom Achaia Definition "an Achaian," Achaicus, a Christian at Corinth NASB Translation Achaicus (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 883: ἈχαϊκόςἈχαϊκός, Ἀχαϊκοῦ, ὁ, Achaicus, the name of a Christian of Corinth: 1 Corinthians 16:17. Topical Lexicon Scriptural OccurrenceThe name Achaicus appears once in the Greek New Testament, in 1 Corinthians 16:17. In the concluding portion of the letter Paul writes, “I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you” (Berean Standard Bible). Though the reference is brief, its placement at the close of an extended apostolic epistle grants it pastoral and historical weight. Historical Context 1. The Corinthian setting Achaicus is linked to the church at Corinth, a congregation marked by spiritual gifts (1 Corinthians 1:7) yet also in need of correction (1 Corinthians 3:1–3). Paul had spent a year and a half laying the foundation there (Acts 18:11). By the time 1 Corinthians was written, the assembly had grown but faced factionalism, ethical challenges, and questions about worship order. Messengers such as Achaicus carried critical updates between Corinth and Paul, who was then in Ephesus (1 Corinthians 16:8). 2. The delegation with Stephanas and Fortunatus The three names are mentioned together, suggesting they traveled as an official delegation. Stephanas’s household was “the firstfruits of Achaia” (1 Corinthians 16:15), making him a respected leader. Fortunatus and Achaicus likely shared that reputation. In the Roman world, trusted couriers were essential for safe, accurate communication; their journey symbolized the unity of geographically distant believers. Ministry Contributions 1. Representative service By arriving in Ephesus, Achaicus and his companions “supplied what was lacking” from the Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:17). The phrase conveys two ideas: (a) material aid—perhaps funds for Paul’s mission—and (b) personal presence—relational encouragement that money alone cannot supply. Paul testifies that they “refreshed my spirit and yours” (1 Corinthians 16:18). Such refreshment affirms the Spirit-born fellowship transcending location. 2. Model of submission and cooperation The apostle exhorts the church, “Be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer” (1 Corinthians 16:16). Achaicus exemplified selfless cooperation with apostolic authority, a quality imperative for healthy church life. His willing submission contrasts with the party spirit earlier rebuked (1 Corinthians 1:11–13). 3. Possible letter carrier Many scholars infer that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus brought to Paul the Corinthian questions answered in 1 Corinthians 7:1 (“Now concerning the matters you wrote about”). It is also likely they carried Paul’s reply back to Corinth. If so, Achaicus had a direct hand in the transmission of inspired Scripture, ensuring doctrinal clarity for generations. Relationship to Achaia Achaia was the Roman province encompassing Corinth. The very name Achaicus (“Achaean”) reflects regional identity. His inclusion underscores the spread of the gospel beyond Judea into the Greco-Roman world, fulfilling Acts 1:8 (“to the ends of the earth”). The Gentile believers of Achaia became partners in the grace initially poured out in Jerusalem. Patristic and Early Church Witness Though Achaicus is not mentioned outside the New Testament, early church writers regarded Paul’s closing greetings as inspired models for congregational life. The presence of lay delegates such as Achaicus demonstrated that pastoral care was not the sole domain of apostles; committed believers shared the load, foreshadowing later structures of deacons and traveling evangelists. Practical Lessons for Today • Christian friendship strengthens ministry. Personal visits, letters, and material gifts continue to “refresh” workers. Summary Achaicus stands as a quiet yet indispensable servant in the early church. His journey with Stephanas and Fortunatus provided Paul tangible encouragement, delivered vital information, and likely conveyed one of the most influential letters in Christian history. Through him the Spirit illustrates how ordinary believers, rooted in local churches yet willing to travel and serve, become conduits of blessing that echo far beyond their moment in time. Forms and Transliterations Αχαικου Ἀχαϊκοῦ Achaikou AchaïkoûLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |