Lives of Scripture

Achaicus is named only once in Scripture, at the close of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians. Paul writes, "I rejoice over the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have supplied what was lacking on your part. For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such men" (1 Corinthians 16:17-18). The three had apparently traveled from Corinth, likely to Ephesus where Paul was writing from, bringing news of the church, perhaps a gift or supplies, and simply their presence -- something Paul says made up for what the Corinthian congregation as a whole had been unable to give him directly. Paul's language is warm and specific: these men "refreshed" his spirit, the same word used elsewhere in his letters for the relief a weary traveler feels. He closes by urging the church to recognize and value people like them. Nothing more is recorded of Achaicus -- no other deed, word, or later appearance -- but this single verse credits him with a real, personal act of encouragement toward the apostle at a time when Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church was strained and difficult.