Many people are mentioned in the New Testament by name only, or with just with a few extra bits of information. Don’t we wish we knew more about them? Yet, for reasons all his own, God did not include anything more. Aristarchus of Thessalonica is one of them. While he’s not mentioned by name in either 1 or 2 Thessalonians, he comes up five times in the rest of the New Testament.
The Thessalonian church was very special to Paul because they were some of the first Europeans to become Christians. In Acts 17 they suffered opposition early, but they shone like a beacon all over the ancient brotherhood. They were acquainted with “deep poverty” (2 Cor.8:2), yet they were generous givers. This is the setting from which Aristarchus came, with a faith bolstered by hardship.
He is mentioned by name for the first time in Acts 19:29, where he is described as “Paul’s travelling companion from Macedonia.” Local idolatrous leaders in Ephesus were losing business. Those who manufacturing silver shrines dedicated to Artemis, led a protest against Paul which turned into a riot. They grabbed Aristarchus and Gaius, dragging them into the city assembly threatening violence. Aristarchus was in danger because of his faith and his desire to help Paul in his travels to spread he gospel. He left his roots behind to do that, and suffering was part of it. From him we learn that we may be called upon to put some of our own roots behind us as we serve Jesus Christ.
After some time, Paul headed back to Syria and eventually to Jerusalem. He was returning with money, given by Gentile churches in Europe and Asia and over a substantial period of time. Each participating congregation sent one or more representatives to help transport the gift and to place it into the hands of church leaders in Jerusalem. Acts 20:4 names some of these men. They were from Berea, Derbe, Asia, and Thessalonica.
Aristarchus and Secundus were appointed by the Thessalonian brethren to represent them. The Thessalonians trusted Aristarchus and by now he was likely well known throughout the Gentile brotherhood. One must earn that kind of respect, and it comes from a life of serving the Master wisely and honourably. So by this point, the maturity of Aristarchus is evident.
Paul was soon jailed in Jerusalem and remained imprisoned for about two years in Caesarea. During that time, it was decided to send him to Rome to stand trial before Caesar. Here again we find Aristarchus, still with Paul and about to sail to Rome with him. He may have been considered a prisoner too, but that is not stated. He was concerned enough to go with Paul on the dangerous and exhausting voyage to Italy. Surely it was good for the apostle to have a brother in Christ with him. Aristarchus cared and probably didn’t want Paul to face the journey alone. He was willing to endure hardship, danger and uncertainty. Here we can see more of the character of Aristarchus: he cared about the brethren, especially Paul, and was willing to sacrifice his time and his finances to help the apostle on this dangerous voyage. I’m sure there have been times in your life when you needed a friend. Jesus calls us to care for each other, and we see it in the life of Aristarchus.
When Paul reached Rome, he spent several years awaiting trial. During that time, he wrote several letters to churches and individuals, Colossians being one of them. Aristarchus was still with Paul, and sent a greeting along with seven other Christians. “Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings” (Col.4:9). It might have been that he had been arrested along with Paul. Or it might also have been that the apostle viewed him as confined because of his constant role as a close friend and caretaker, no matter the setting. Either way, he was a man who encouraged others – Paul himself and all the brethren in Colossae. Aristarchus made sure that Paul sent a personal greeting from him along with his own. He was a man who cared deeply for the church.
The final mention of Aristarchus in the New Testament is found in Philemon 23-24. There he sent a greeting along with four other men to Philemon in Colossae. Paul was urging a Christian named Philemon to do the right thing by Onesimus the slave. By adding his name and encouragement to this appeal, Aristarchus, was in full agreement. It is a fitting post-script to what we know of the life and character of this fine Christian man.
And what about you and I? What can we insert into our own lives after considering these short tidbits out of the life of Aristarchus? He stood for truth, was trusted with important responsibilities. He was respected by the brotherhood, and lived – to encourage others. He cared for the brethren. And like him, sometimes we must make significant changes as we serve our Lord, and these might present hardships or even danger.
Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art.” Aristarchus may not have been old yet, but he was certainly a work art.
Barrie, ON.