Achaicus

Biblical Record

Achaicus appears only once, in 1 Corinthians 16:17. Closing his letter, Paul wrote: "I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your part they have supplied." Paul was staying in Ephesus at the time (1 Corinthians 16:8), and the three men had come to him from Corinth.

In verse 18, Paul says that they "have refreshed my spirit and yours" and urges the believers to "acknowledge ye them that are such." The preceding verses, 15–16, describe the household of Stephanas as the firstfruits of Achaia. Scripture records nothing about Achaicus's origins, occupation, family, or later life.

Significance Within Scripture

The statement that they "supplied" what was lacking is commonly understood to mean that the three men filled the gap left by the Corinthian believers' inability to come in person, meeting Paul on their behalf. Some interpreters instead read it as meaning that they delivered material assistance. Either way, Achaicus is remembered as one who served as a link between the church at Corinth and Paul, who was far away.

Interpretation and Points of Discussion

• Name: The name Achaicus (Greek Achaikos) is understood to mean "one from Achaia." Noting that this name and Fortunatus are Latin-style names, some commentators speculate that he may have been a freedman, a former slave who had been set free. The text itself does not say so.
• Delivery of letters: In 1 Corinthians 7:1, Paul responds to a letter of questions sent by the Corinthian believers. For this reason, it is widely suggested that the three men brought that letter or carried Paul's reply back with them. This, too, is conjecture.
• Later addition: In some traditional texts, including the King James Version, 1 Corinthians ends with a subscription stating that the letter was written from Philippi by Stephanas, Fortunatus, Achaicus, and Timothy. This subscription is generally regarded as a later addition by a copyist. It also conflicts with the reference to Ephesus in 16:8.

In the Korean Church

Sermons or Sunday school lessons devoted specifically to Achaicus are rare. He is sometimes mentioned alongside Stephanas and Fortunatus in expositions of 1 Corinthians 16. In such cases, he may be presented as an example of someone who served pastors and the church without drawing attention to himself.