Fortunatus

Fortunatus (meaning lucky or fortunate, a Latin name common in the Roman world) was a disciple from the church at Corinth who, together with Achaicus and Stephanas, visited Paul at Ephesus during his extended ministry there. Paul mentions them with warm commendation at the close of 1 Corinthians (1 Corinthians 16:17–18): "For they have refreshed my spirit and yours: therefore acknowledge ye them that are such." The visit served to fill the gap created by Paul's absence from Corinth, providing him with news of the congregation's condition and likely carrying either the Corinthians' letter of inquiry (which prompted 1 Corinthians) or the apostle's response back to them.

Nothing further is recorded about Fortunatus in the New Testament. Whether he was a freed slave (Latin names like "Fortunatus" were common among freedmen) or a free-born member of the Corinthian church cannot be determined from the text. His mention alongside Stephanas — the first Corinthian convert and leader of a household that devoted itself to the service of the saints (1 Corinthians 16:15) — suggests he was an active member of the Corinthian Christian community.