Erastus and Trophimus 2 Timothy 4:20

As Paul began his benediction in his final letter to Timothy, he asked Timothy to “Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus”, and in chapter four and verse twenty he mentioned two other men, “Erastus” and “Trophimus” where we read:

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

The verse begins, “Erastus abode at Corinth:” Paul began with the name, “Erastus” which means “beloved” and was “a companion of the apostle Paul and the chamberlain or rather the public treasurer, of Corinth” “abode” or “remained, tarried or continued” “at Corinth” which means “satiated” and was “an ancient and famous city of Greece, on the Isthmus of Corinth and about 40 miles (65 km) west of Athens”. “Erastus” is also mentioned in Acts chapter nineteen and Romans chapter sixteen.

The verse continues, “but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.” Paul continued with the word, “but” which means “moreover, and, also” “Trophimus” whose name means “nutritious” and was “an Ephesian Christian and a friend of the apostle Paul” “have I left” or “left behind or to remain” “at Miletum” which means “pure white fine wool” and was “a maritime city, now nearly 10 miles (16 km), from the coast of Caria or Ionia, near the mouth of the Maeander and 35 miles (55 km) from Ephesus. It was the mother of about eighty colonies, the the birth place of Thales, Anaximander, and other famous men” “sick” or “weak, feeble, without strength and powerless”. “Trophimus” is also mentioned in Acts chapters twenty and twenty-one.

While we consider Paul's final mention of people who were alongside him in the ministry, we note the union Paul had with these men. There were many “companions” who aided Paul in his work, and “Erastus” and “Trophimus” were examples of these fellow-workers. It is interesting to think that Paul who often laid his hands upon people for their healing was not able to bring about healing for “Trophimus” who was “sick”. This knowledge helps us to know the sovereignty of God, and it is He who chooses when and where certain people remain ill and others are healed. No doubt these men were special to Paul and known by Timothy as they are mentioned together in Paul's missionary journeys, and as Paul begins to complete his final words before he will be martyred for his faith, he mentions their location and condition. Perhaps we should take inventory of those within our lives who have come alongside us in our “ministry” in this world, and may the Lord Jesus help us to appreciate not only them, but also the One who added them to our lives.

Next time Paul tells Timothy to come to him before winter and names others who are with him who greet Timothy, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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