2 Timothy 4:20

KJV

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

KJV (with Strong's)

Erastus {G2037} abode {G3306} at {G1722} Corinth {G2882}: but {G1161} Trophimus {G5161} have I left {G620} at {G1722} Miletum {G3399} sick {G770}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Erastus has remained in Corinth, and Trophimus I left ill at Miletus.

Berean Standard Bible

Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.

American Standard Version

Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In the concluding remarks of his final epistle, the Apostle Paul provides a concise personal update to Timothy regarding two of their mutual companions: Erastus, who remained in Corinth, and Trophimus, whom Paul had to leave behind in Miletus due to illness. This brief, seemingly mundane detail offers a poignant glimpse into the practical realities, challenges, and deep human connections that characterized early Christian ministry, even amidst Paul's own impending martyrdom.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the highly personal and urgent final chapter of Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, often considered Paul's last will and testament. Written from a Roman prison, likely just before his execution, the letter is saturated with Paul's pastoral heart, his charge to Timothy to "preach the word" ([2 Timothy 4:2](/2_timothy/4-2 "2 Timothy 4:2 - Preach the Word")), and a sense of impending departure. In [2 Timothy 4](/2_timothy/4 "2 Timothy 4 - Paul's Charge and Farewell"), Paul transitions from theological exhortation to practical instructions, warnings against false teachers, and a series of personal requests and greetings. The mention of Erastus and Trophimus, alongside other personal notes like the request for his cloak and parchments ([2 Timothy 4:13](/2_timothy/4-13 "2 Timothy 4:13 - Paul's Request for Cloak and Parchments")), serves to underscore the authenticity of the letter and the very real human network that supported Paul's ministry, even in its final, most challenging phase. These details are not incidental but highlight the ongoing, dynamic nature of their shared mission and the practical challenges faced by early Christian workers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The locations mentioned, Corinth and Miletus, were significant urban centers in the Roman Empire. Corinth, a bustling port city in Greece, was a strategic hub for trade and culture, where Paul had spent considerable time establishing a vibrant church. Erastus, possibly a public official there ([Romans 16:23](/romans/16-23 "Romans 16:23 - Erastus, the City Treasurer")), remaining in such a city suggests continued ministry or a settled role within the Christian community. Miletus, a prominent port city on the coast of Asia Minor, south of Ephesus, was a common stop for maritime travel. Travel in the ancient world was arduous and fraught with dangers, including illness, which was a constant threat due to poor sanitation and lack of advanced medicine. Trophimus, an Ephesian Gentile Christian, had been a faithful companion to Paul on his third missionary journey ([Acts 20:4](/acts/20-4 "Acts 20:4 - Trophimus Travels with Paul")). His illness at Miletus highlights the physical toll of missionary work and the vulnerability of even dedicated servants of God to common human ailments. Paul's decision to leave him behind was a practical necessity, not an abandonment, reflecting the realities of travel and care in that era.

* **Key Themes:** This brief verse contributes to several overarching themes within 2 Timothy and Paul's broader theology. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **The Human Element and Frailty in Ministry**. Despite Paul's apostolic authority and spiritual gifts, he and his companions were subject to human limitations, including sickness and the logistical challenges of travel. This grounds ministry in reality, reminding us that God uses imperfect, vulnerable people. Secondly, it highlights **Paul's Pastoral Heart and Concern for Fellow Workers**. Even facing his own imminent death, Paul's attention to the well-being and whereabouts of Erastus and Trophimus demonstrates his deep care for his team, emphasizing the importance of community, mutual support, and practical love within the body of Christ, a theme echoed in [Philippians 2:25-30](/philippians/2-25-30 "Philippians 2:25-30 - Epaphroditus's Illness and Paul's Concern"). Finally, these specific, verifiable details contribute to the **Authenticity and Credibility of Paul's Epistles**. Such personal notes, easily confirmed or refuted by contemporaries, lend historical weight and a genuine, personal touch to Paul's inspired writings, reinforcing their truthfulness and the real-world context of early Christianity.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **abode (Greek, _ménō'_):** This primary verb signifies "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)." For Erastus, it implies a settled presence in Corinth, suggesting he remained there either for continued ministry, personal reasons, or perhaps a specific assignment, rather than being merely passing through. It conveys a sense of stability or continuation of his activity in that significant city.
* **left (Greek, _apoleípō'_):** Derived from `ἀπό` (from) and `λείπω` (to leave), this word means "to leave behind (passively, remain); by implication, to forsake." In the context of Trophimus, it indicates that Paul had to separate from him, leaving him behind in Miletus. The implication is that this was a necessary action due to Trophimus's condition, rather than a deliberate choice to abandon him, highlighting a forced separation due to circumstances.
* **sick (Greek, _asthenéō'_):** This term, meaning "to be feeble (in any sense)," clearly describes Trophimus's physical condition. It denotes a state of weakness or illness. The use of this word underscores the practical challenges and physical vulnerabilities faced by early missionaries, even those closely associated with an apostle like Paul, who was often instrumental in miraculous healings.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Erastus abode at Corinth":** This clause provides a succinct update on Erastus, indicating his settled presence in the important city of Corinth. It suggests a continued engagement or residence there, perhaps in his role as a public official or in ongoing ministry within the thriving Christian community Paul had established. The brevity implies Timothy would understand the significance of Erastus's location.
* **"but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick":** This second clause, introduced by the adversative particle "but" (G1161, _dé_), contrasts Trophimus's situation with Erastus's. It reveals a more challenging circumstance: Paul was compelled to leave Trophimus behind in Miletus because he was ill. This highlights the unexpected setbacks and physical hardships encountered during their missionary journeys, demonstrating Paul's practical care for his companion even when it meant separation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse, though brief, employs several significant literary devices. **Conciseness** is paramount, as Paul conveys vital information about two individuals in a single, compact sentence, typical of the concluding remarks in his epistles. This brevity also lends itself to **Realism**, presenting a raw, unvarnished glimpse into the practical difficulties of early Christian ministry—illness, travel logistics, and the need for companions to be left behind. The mention of Trophimus's sickness also functions as a form of **Understatement**, as Paul, who often performed miraculous healings, simply states that he "left" Trophimus "sick," without elaboration or a miraculous resolution. This stark reality underscores the human limitations even of apostles and the sovereign will of God in matters of healing. Furthermore, the verse acts as a **Personal Anecdote**, grounding the grand theological themes of the letter in the everyday lives and relationships of real people, thereby enhancing the authenticity and relatable nature of Paul's final message to Timothy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This seemingly minor logistical update carries profound theological weight, reminding us that God's grand redemptive plan unfolds through the lives of ordinary, vulnerable human beings. It underscores the reality of human frailty and suffering, even among the most dedicated servants of God. Paul, despite his apostolic authority and experience with divine power, did not always miraculously heal his companions, highlighting the mysterious interplay between divine sovereignty and human experience, including illness. This verse implicitly teaches that faithful ministry involves not only spiritual power but also practical care, empathy, and resilience in the face of physical setbacks. It affirms that God's work progresses even through the mundane realities and challenges of life, and that true Christian community involves bearing one another's burdens.

* [Romans 16:23](/romans/16-23 "Romans 16:23 - Erastus, the City Treasurer")
* [Acts 20:4](/acts/20-4 "Acts 20:4 - Trophimus Travels with Paul")
* [Philippians 2:25-30](/philippians/2-25-30 "Philippians 2:25-30 - Epaphroditus's Illness and Paul's Concern")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The brief mention of Erastus and Trophimus in [2 Timothy 4:20](/2_timothy/4-20 "2 Timothy 4:20 - Paul's Final Updates") offers a powerful lesson in empathy, resilience, and the practicalities of Christian service. It compels us to remember that ministry is not always glamorous or spiritually exhilarating; it often involves mundane logistics, unexpected setbacks, and the painful reality of human suffering. Paul's simple statement about Trophimus's illness serves as a poignant reminder that even those called to great things are not immune to physical ailments, and that true compassion involves acknowledging and responding to the practical needs of our fellow workers. It challenges us to cultivate a community where care for one another's well-being, both physical and spiritual, is paramount. Moreover, it normalizes the experience of weakness and dependence, encouraging us to lean on God's strength even when human limitations are apparent, trusting that His power is made perfect in our weakness. This verse invites us to embrace the full spectrum of human experience within our faith journey, recognizing that God is present and at work even in our vulnerabilities.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Paul's practical concern for Trophimus's sickness challenge my own approach to caring for those in my community, especially those facing difficulties?**
* **What does the reality of illness and logistical challenges in Paul's ministry teach me about the nature of Christian service today?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to idealize ministry, and how does this verse help ground my expectations in reality?**
* **How does the fact that Paul left Trophimus sick, rather than healing him, inform my understanding of divine sovereignty and human suffering?**

### FAQ

**Why didn't Paul heal Trophimus, given his miraculous healing abilities?**

Answer: This is a common and insightful question. While Paul certainly possessed the gift of healing and performed many miracles throughout his ministry (e.g., [Acts 14:8-10](/acts/14-8-10 "Acts 14:8-10 - Paul Heals a Lame Man") and [Acts 19:11-12](/acts/19-11-12 "Acts 19:11-12 - Paul's Miracles in Ephesus")), the Bible indicates that not every illness encountered by Paul or his companions was miraculously cured. There are several possible reasons: (1) God's sovereign will: Miracles were not performed on demand or for every situation but according to God's specific purpose and timing. (2) The nature of apostolic gifts: While powerful, these gifts operated within God's wisdom, not as an automatic, constant ability to eradicate all suffering. (3) Theological purpose: Sometimes, God allows suffering and weakness (as with Paul's "thorn in the flesh" in [2 Corinthians 12:7-10](/2_corinthians/12-7-10 "2 Corinthians 12:7-10 - Paul's Thorn in the Flesh")) to demonstrate His power through human weakness, to prevent pride, or for other redemptive purposes. Paul's decision to leave Trophimus sick underscores the reality of human vulnerability and the fact that even apostles operated within human limitations, trusting in God's broader plan.

**Who were Erastus and Trophimus, and why are they mentioned?**

Answer: Erastus and Trophimus were two of Paul's trusted companions and fellow workers in the early Christian movement. Erastus is mentioned elsewhere as the city treasurer of Corinth ([Romans 16:23](/romans/16-23 "Romans 16:23 - Erastus, the City Treasurer")), indicating a person of some standing who likely played a significant role in the Corinthian church. Trophimus was an Ephesian Gentile Christian who accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey ([Acts 20:4](/acts/20-4 "Acts 20:4 - Trophimus Travels with Paul")) and was even falsely accused of defiling the temple with Paul in Jerusalem, leading to Paul's arrest ([Acts 21:29](/acts/21-29 "Acts 21:29 - Trophimus and Paul's Arrest")). They are mentioned in [2 Timothy 4:20](/2_timothy/4-20 "2 Timothy 4:20 - Paul's Final Updates") as brief, personal updates to Timothy, providing a glimpse into the practical realities of Paul's ministry network, his ongoing concern for his team, and the challenges of travel and health in the ancient world. These details add a layer of authenticity and personal connection to Paul's final letter.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [2 Timothy 4:20](/2_timothy/4-20 "2 Timothy 4:20 - Paul's Final Updates") is a seemingly mundane logistical note, it subtly points to Christ in profound ways. Paul's practical concern for Trophimus's illness mirrors the compassion of Christ, who consistently demonstrated care for the sick and suffering during His earthly ministry, taking on our infirmities ([Matthew 8:16-17](/matthew/8-16-17 "Matthew 8:16-17 - Jesus Heals Many")). The reality of Trophimus's sickness, and Paul's inability (or God's choice not) to miraculously heal him in this instance, highlights the shared humanity of Christ, who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Christ Our High Priest")). Furthermore, the very concept of faithful companions enduring hardship for the sake of the gospel, even suffering illness, reflects the path of the Suffering Servant, Jesus Christ, who endured the ultimate suffering to accomplish redemption ([Isaiah 53:4-5](/isaiah/53-4-5 "Isaiah 53:4-5 - The Suffering Servant")). Ultimately, while Trophimus remained sick at Miletus, the greater narrative of Christ's victory over sin, sickness, and death assures believers of a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Pain")). Thus, even in the midst of human frailty and the temporary setbacks of ministry, the hope of the gospel, centered on Christ's ultimate triumph, shines through.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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 21:29

(For they had seen before with him in the city Trophimus an Ephesian, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.)

Philippians 2:26

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

Philippians 2:27

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

Acts 19:22

So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season.

Romans 16:23

Gaius mine host, and of the whole church, saluteth you. Erastus the chamberlain of the city saluteth you, and Quartus a brother.

Acts 20:15

And we sailed thence, and came the next [day] over against Chios; and the next [day] we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next [day] we came to Miletus.