Subj : July 26th - St. Erastus of Corinth, Martyr To : All From : rich Date : Sat Jul 25 2020 10:28:03 From: rich July 26th - St. Erastus of Corinth, Martyr Erastus is a little known character within the story of Paul's journeys. However, without Erastus, Paul's ministries might not of taken place. What if Paul's missionary journey would not of taken place? That is exactly right, the spread of Christianity would not of been possible. Even though the Bible does not talk extensively on Erastus, his contributions to the spread of Christianity are second to none. Erastus in Latin means, "be loved". Properly named, Erastus was loved by the people in Corinth. In Corinth, Erastus served as the director of public works (Romans 16:23). In those days the director of public works was the treasurer of the city. He was in charge of the tax money that was taken in by the city. We know that he had something to do with the money of the city because archeologists have found a brick with the inscription " Erastus commissioner of public works bore the expense of this pavement". The city of Corinth must have been able to trust him with the money and the power to spend that money on the well-being of the town. Erastus was also a faithful believer in the word of God. He was fascinated by what Paul was doing and was interested in spreading the word himself. In Acts 19:22, Paul decides to go back to Jerusalem. It is said that he sent his two helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia. Erastus was sent ahead of Paul to minister the word. Paul refers to Erastus as a brother (1Co 16:11). Erastus was a minor character in the story of the missionary journeys of Paul. He was responsible for going ahead of Paul and preaches the word of the Lord. He was a brother to Paul, believing and remaining faithful to Paul. He was also the director of public works in the city of Corinth. Without the work of Erastus the spread of Christianity might have been greatly slowed. More information The apostle Paul is known to most Christians for being the man who first brought the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to the Gentile nations. But Paul also had some help from other lesser known men who traveled alongside himself in spreading the Gospel. One such man was Erastus, an early disciple of Jesus Christ.=C2 He is mentioned briefly in THE BIBLE in Romans 16:23 which says: "Gaius, my host and the host of the whole church, greets you. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings." And again in 2 Timothy 4:20:=C2 "Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick." Confirmation of his existence and his title was found in the city of Corinth. Archaeologists working on an excavation of a first century road uncovered a stone with the inscription: "Erastus, Commissioner of Public Works" According to THE BIBLE, Erastus was also one of the earliest Evangelists who spread the gospel to the Gentiles. Acts 19:22 records:=C2 "So he (Paul) sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus...." THE GREATEST LESSON TO BE LEARNED FROM ERASTUS WAS THAT HE OBEYED THE FOLLOWING COMMAND SPOKEN BY JESUS CHRIST: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. "He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned." [Mark 16:15-16] Saint Quote: When you encounter difficulties and contradictions, do not try to break them, but bend them with gentleness and time. --St Francis de Sales <><><><> Reflection To honor the martyrs and duty celebrate their festivals, we must learn their spirit, and study to imitate them according to the circumstances of our state. We must, like them, resist evil unto blood, must subdue our passions, suffer afflictions with patience, and bear with others without murmuring or complaining. Many practice voluntary austerities cheerfully, only because they are of their own choice. But true patience requires, in the first place, that we bear all afflictions and contradictions from whatever quarter they come; and in this consists true virtue. Though we pray for heaven, our prayers will not avail, unless we make use of the means which God sends to bring us thither. The cross is the ladder by which we must ascend. --- NewsGate v1.0 gamma 2 * Origin: News Gate @ Net396 -Huntsville, AL - USA (1:396/4) .