Who was Corinthus?

Corinthus is mentioned briefly in the New Testament in Romans 16:23, where the Apostle Paul sends greetings to the believers in Rome from several of his companions in Corinth. The verse reads, “Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Corinthus send you their greetings.” (Romans 16:23, NIV)

The Greek form of the name Κόρινθος (Korinthos) is the same as the ancient city of Corinth, and the name Corinthus likely denotes someone from Corinth, or someone associated with the place, though it is used here as a personal name. There is no Hebrew equivalent recorded for this name, and it is Greek in origin. The name may reflect a cultural or geographical connection to the city rather than a birth name, perhaps similar to how early believers were sometimes identified by city (e.g., Jesus the Nazarene, Simon of Cyrene).

Though Corinthus is not a prominent biblical figure, his brief mention in this personal greeting by Paul places him among the faithful brothers laboring alongside the apostle in the ministry. Being called “our brother” signifies his recognized status within the Christian community—not simply a friend, but a fellow believer and spiritual sibling.

Biblical Reference

• Romans 16:23 – The sole reference to Corinthus.

• Cross-references: Romans 16:21–24 (greetings from Paul’s companions); Acts 18 (Paul’s ministry in Corinth); 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 16:19.

What Happened in the Bible

In Romans 16, Paul lists a number of individuals who are sending greetings to the believers in Rome. This final chapter is rich with personal names and brief commendations, providing a glimpse into the network of early Christian believers and leaders who supported Paul‘s mission.

Corinthus is grouped with Gaius and Erastus, who were likely prominent figures in Corinth. Gaius hosted Paul and the local church, while Erastus held a governmental position. Corinthus, by being named alongside them, may have been a respected brother in the church, involved in ministry or fellowship with Paul during his time in Corinth. While Scripture provides no further detail, the fact that Paul includes him in his final greetings suggests Corinthus’s faithfulness, trustworthiness, and presence in the work of the gospel.

Meaning for Today’s Christians

Corinthus represents the many faithful yet unnamed or little-known believers who served Christ in the early church. While not every follower of Jesus will be a preacher, writer, or missionary, every believer has a role in the body of Christ. Corinthus is a reminder that God sees and values each one who walks in faith and obedience—even if history records little of their earthly service.

This brief mention affirms the importance of community in the Christian life. Corinthus was part of a circle of believers that supported and encouraged one another. His role, though not specified, contributed to the health and outreach of the Corinthian church. Every believer today is called to live in fellowship and mutual encouragement, serving together for the glory of God.

How Corinthus’s Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

Though Corinthus himself does not play a direct role in the narrative of Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection, his life bears witness to the fruit of the gospel. His inclusion in Paul’s greetings suggests he had been transformed by Christ and was now a part of God‘s family through faith in Jesus.

Corinthus’s presence in the early church in Corinth testifies to the power of the gospel to reach diverse people in a cosmopolitan city. Corinth was known for its wealth, immorality, and diversity, yet even there, the message of the cross took root. Corinthus, as a “brother,” shows that the gospel transcends backgrounds, reputations, and past sin. Through Christ, he became a new creation—just like every believer today (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Christian Brotherhood

The term “our brother” used by Paul in reference to Corinthus reflects the deep spiritual unity and family bond among believers. Christians are not only individuals following Christ—they are part of a redeemed community, adopted into God‘s family through Jesus.

2. Unseen Faithfulness

Many faithful Christians, like Corinthus, go largely unnoticed in historical records, yet their work and faithfulness are seen by God. Scripture values these quiet heroes of the faith, and their reward is with the Lord (Hebrews 6:10).

3. Fellowship and Ministry Partnerships

Paul’s ministry was never a solo endeavor. Corinthus’s mention among fellow workers underscores the cooperative nature of gospel ministry. Local churches and believers formed essential support networks for the apostles.

4. The Transforming Reach of the Gospel

That a believer from Corinth—infamous for its former pagan immorality—was now a Christian brother shows the transformative reach of the gospel into every kind of place and person. Grace redeems.

Reflection Questions

1. Do I value the unseen acts of service that may not gain public recognition, knowing God sees them?

2. How can I actively support and encourage fellow believers, just as Corinthus likely supported Paul?

3. Am I cultivating a deep sense of spiritual family and brotherhood within my local church?

4. In what ways is my life a reflection of the gospel’s transforming power, like the believers in Corinth?

5. What does this brief mention of Corinthus teach me about the diversity and unity of the early church?

6. How can I be more faithful in the background roles of ministry, trusting God to use them for His glory?

Corinthus may be a lesser-known name in the New Testament, but his faithful presence in Paul’s community of believers speaks volumes about the kind of life God values—one of humble service, brotherly love, and gospel partnership.