Fortunatus

Fortunatus is one of three Corinthian Christians whose visit to Paul fills a gap in what the Corinthian congregation had been able to send. He is named once, alongside Stephanas and Achaicus, near the close of the first letter to Corinth.

A Christian of Corinth

Paul has just commended the household of Stephanas: "you⁺ know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have set themselves in service to the saints" (1 Cor 16:15), and urged the Corinthians "that you⁺ also be in subjection to such, and to everyone who helps in the work and labors" (1 Cor 16:16). It is into that frame that Fortunatus is named: "And I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus: for that which was lacking on your⁺ part they supplied" (1 Cor 16:17). The closing line treats the three together: "For they refreshed my spirit and yours⁺: acknowledge⁺ therefore those who are such" (1 Cor 16:18). Fortunatus carries no separate biography in scripture — his weight rests on his place in this trio of Corinthian visitors who travel to Paul, refresh him, and stand in for what the congregation as a whole had not yet sent.