2 Timothy 4:20

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

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

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

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

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

Commentary

2 Timothy 4:20 is a brief, personal update from the Apostle Paul to his beloved disciple Timothy, found in Paul's final letter. It offers a glimpse into the practical realities and challenges of early Christian ministry, highlighting the movements and circumstances of two of Paul's companions.

Context

This verse is part of the concluding remarks of Paul's Second Epistle to Timothy, a deeply personal and poignant letter written from a Roman prison, likely shortly before Paul's martyrdom. Paul is giving Timothy final instructions, warnings, and personal requests, and these brief mentions of Erastus and Trophimus serve as practical updates, demonstrating Paul's ongoing concern for his fellow workers even in his dire circumstances. These seemingly minor details underscore the authenticity and personal nature of Paul's correspondence, showing that even apostles faced everyday human challenges like illness and travel logistics.

Key Themes

  • The Human Element of Ministry: This verse reminds us that even great apostles and missionaries like Paul, along with their dedicated companions, were subject to human frailties such as illness and the need for practical arrangements. Ministry is not always about spiritual highs but also involves the mundane and challenging aspects of life.
  • Paul's Concern for Fellow Workers: Despite his own impending death, Paul demonstrates genuine care for his team. His brief notes about Erastus and Trophimus show he is mindful of their well-being and whereabouts, illustrating the importance of community and mutual support in Christian service.
  • Authenticity of Paul's Letters: These specific, verifiable details about real people and places add to the historical credibility and personal touch of Paul's epistles, making them more relatable and grounded in the realities of the first century.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "abode" for Erastus is menō (μένω), which simply means "remained" or "stayed." It implies that Erastus's presence in Corinth was a settled arrangement, perhaps for ministry or personal reasons, and not due to an imposed circumstance like illness. For Trophimus, "left" comes from apolipon (ἀπολιπών), meaning "having left behind" or "forsaken." This suggests Paul had to leave Trophimus due to his sickness, indicating a necessity rather than a choice to abandon him. The term "sick" is asthenounta (ἀσθενοῦντα), meaning "being weak" or "ill," clearly stating his physical condition.

Historical and Geographical Notes

  • Erastus at Corinth: Corinth was a major Roman city, a bustling commercial and cultural center in Greece, where Paul had established a significant church. Erastus is mentioned elsewhere as a public official, specifically the city's director of public works or treasurer (Romans 16:23), suggesting a person of some standing. His remaining there implies he continued his work or ministry in that vital city.
  • Trophimus at Miletus: Miletus was an important port city in Asia Minor, south of Ephesus. Trophimus was an Ephesian Gentile Christian who accompanied Paul on his third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). His presence with Paul in Jerusalem led to Paul's arrest, as he was falsely accused of bringing Trophimus into the temple (Acts 21:29). Paul leaving him at Miletus due to illness underscores the physical toll of missionary travel and the unexpected setbacks faced by early believers.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, offers several practical takeaways for believers today:

  • Empathy and Care: It teaches us to be mindful of the physical and emotional well-being of those serving alongside us, especially in demanding circumstances. Paul's concern for Trophimus's sickness is a model of Christian empathy.
  • Facing Realities: Ministry and Christian life are not always glamorous or smooth. Illness, separation, and practical challenges are part of the journey. This verse normalizes these difficulties, reminding us that God uses imperfect people who face real-world problems.
  • Dependence on God: While Paul was a powerful apostle, he couldn't miraculously heal Trophimus on the spot, at least not in this instance. This highlights the sovereignty of God and the reality that even those with spiritual gifts operate within human limitations, prompting continued reliance on divine provision and healing.
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Cross-References

  • Acts 20:4 (5 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    (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 (4 votes)

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

  • Philippians 2:27 (4 votes)

    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 (4 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

    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.