Best ruler, native of Thessalonica (Acts 20:4), a companion of Paul (Acts 19:29; 27:2). He was Paul’s “fellow-prisoner” at Rome (Col. 4:10; Philemon 1:24).
Aristarchus
Aristarchus is the kind of friend who turns up wherever Paul is in trouble. A Macedonian from Thessalonica, he is dragged into the Ephesus riot in Acts 19, travels with Paul into Asia, and sails with him on the long voyage toward Rome. Paul later calls him “my fellowprisoner” in Colossians 4:10, and in Philemon he is listed among his “fellowlabourers.” We never hear him preach or perform a sign. He is just there, over years, in the hard places. Acts 27 shows him on the ship, and Colossians 4 gives Paul’s greeting.
5 verses
Acts
Acts 19:29
And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.
Acts 20:4
And there accompanied him into Asia Sopater of Berea; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timotheus; and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.
Acts 27:2
And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia; one Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.
Colossians
Colossians 4:10
Aristarchus my fellowprisoner saluteth you, and Marcus, sister's son to Barnabas,(touching whom ye received commandments: if he come unto you, receive him;)
Philemon
Philemon 1:24
Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.
From Easton's Bible Dictionary
Matthew George Easton, 1897
From Smith's Bible Dictionary
William Smith, 1884
(the best ruler), a Thessalonian, (Acts 20:4; 27:2) who accompanied St. Paul on his third missionary journey. (Acts 19:29) He was with the apostle on his return to Asia, (Acts 20:4) and again, Acts 27:2 On his voyage to Rome. We trace him afterwards as St. Paul’s fellow prisoner in (Colossians 4:10) and Phle 1:24 Tradition makes him bishop of Apamea.