Achaicus

Achaicus (meaning native of Achaia, or sorrowing) was a Christian from the Roman province of Achaia — the region encompassing most of mainland Greece — who appears in the New Testament as one of three brethren whose visit to the apostle Paul at Ephesus proved a source of great encouragement. Writing his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul says: "I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men" (1 Corinthians 16:17–18).

The three had apparently traveled from Corinth bearing news of the congregation and perhaps carrying the letter of inquiry that prompted much of 1 Corinthians. The household of Stephanas is also mentioned as the firstfruits of Achaia who devoted themselves to the service of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15), suggesting these three men were recognized community leaders. Achaicus is not mentioned again in Scripture, but his inclusion in Paul's warm commendation marks him as a trusted representative of the Corinthian church and a genuine partner in the apostolic network connecting Greece with Paul's wider mission.