### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek name **Tróphimos**, represented by `{{G5161}}`, identifies a Christian companion of the apostle Paul. Derived from a word meaning **nutritive**, it appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. The scriptures present him as an associate from Asia who traveled with Paul and was involved in significant events during the apostle's ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Trophimus** `{{G5161}}` is first mentioned as one of several men who **accompanied** Paul into Asia; he and Tychicus are specifically noted as being "of Asia" [[Acts 20:4]]. Later, in Jerusalem, he is identified as "an Ephesian," and his presence with Paul in the city led to the false supposition that Paul had brought him into the temple, sparking a riot [[Acts 21:29]]. His final appearance is in a personal update from Paul, who writes that he had to leave **Trophimus** behind at Miletum because he was **sick** [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several individuals are mentioned in connection with **Trophimus**, highlighting the network of believers who supported Paul's ministry:
* `{{G5190}}` **Tychikós** (fortuitous, i.e. fortunate; Tychicus, a Christian): He is listed alongside **Trophimus** as being "of Asia" and one of the men who accompanied Paul [[Acts 20:4]]. Paul later refers to him as a "beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord" [[Ephesians 6:21]].
* `{{G708}}` **Arístarchos** (best ruling; Aristarchus, a Macedonian): Also named as a companion to Paul in the same group as **Trophimus** [[Acts 20:4]], he is identified elsewhere as a Macedonian and one of Paul's "companions in travel" [[Acts 19:29]].
* `{{G2037}}` **Érastos** (beloved; Erastus, a Christian): His location is contrasted with that of **Trophimus** in a report from Paul, who states that **Érastos** "abode at Corinth" while **Trophimus** was left sick at Miletum [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Theological Significance
The brief mentions of **Trophimus** `{{G5161}}` carry significant weight in the biblical narrative by illustrating key aspects of the early church.
* **Collaborative Ministry:** As one of several men who would **synépomai** `{{G4902}}`, or **accompany**, Paul, **Trophimus** represents the team-based nature of the apostolic mission [[Acts 20:4]].
* **Jewish-Gentile Tensions:** His identity as "an Ephesian" became a flashpoint in Jerusalem, where people wrongly supposed Paul had brought him into the temple [[Acts 21:29]]. This event highlights the very real and dangerous cultural conflicts the early church had to navigate.
* **The Reality of Hardship:** The simple statement that Paul left **Trophimus** at Miletum because he was **sick** `{{G770}}` provides a window into the physical frailties and logistical challenges that impacted the apostles and their companions, grounding the narrative in human experience [[2 Timothy 4:20]].
### Summary
In summary, **Trophimus** `{{G5161}}` is more than just a name in a list of Paul's companions. He is a figure whose story illustrates the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry, the serious cultural challenges faced by the apostles, and the personal physical hardships they endured. The few verses that mention him provide a valuable glimpse into the human reality behind the expansion of the early church.
TRV