2 Timothy 4:20

Analysis & Commentary

Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Paul updates Timothy on other coworkers. "Erastus abode at Corinth" (Erastos emeinen en Korinthō, Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ). Menō (μένω) means remain, stay. Erastus, mentioned in Acts 19:22 and Romans 16:23 (possibly as Corinth's city treasurer), remained in Corinth, apparently on ministry assignment or personal responsibilities. His staying doesn't suggest unfaithfulness but legitimate reason for absence from Rome.

"Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" (Trophimon de apēlipon en Milētō asthenounta, Τρόφιμον δὲ ἀπέλιπον ἐν Μιλήτῳ ἀσθενοῦντα). Apoleipō (ἀπολείπω) means leave behind. Astheneō (ἀσθενέω) means be sick, weak, ill. Trophimus, Ephesian Christian who traveled with Paul (Acts 20:4, 21:29), fell ill at Miletus and couldn't continue. Paul left him there to recover. This detail is significant for several reasons:

1. It shows Paul couldn't heal all illnesses at will—apostolic healing was sovereignly given by God, not on-demand power.
2. It reveals pastoral realism—ministry involves sickness, setbacks, and limitations.
3. It demonstrates care—Paul didn't abandon sick Trophimus but ensured he received care.

   These mundane details humanize Paul and early Christianity.

Ministry wasn't constant miracles and success but involved ordinary challenges: sickness, travel limitations, personnel constraints. Paul's matter-of-fact reporting without embellishment or excuse models healthy realism. Faithful servants work within human limitations while trusting God's sovereignty. The letter's preservation of these details encourages believers facing similar frustrations: sickness, limitations, and setbacks are normal Christian experience, not signs of faithlessness.

Historical Context

Miletus was port city about 30 miles south of Ephesus. Paul had met Ephesian elders there during his final journey to Jerusalem (Acts 20:15-38). Trophimus's illness occurred during Paul's travels between final imprisonment periods. The inability to heal Trophimus challenges claims that apostles could heal anyone anytime. Apostolic miracles were genuine but sovereignly distributed, not magician's tricks performed on demand. Early Christians accepted sickness as part of fallen existence, trusting God's purposes whether healing or allowing continued affliction. This balanced view avoids both cessationism (denying God's healing power) and health-wealth theology (demanding healing as entitlement).

Questions for Reflection

• How do you respond when God doesn't heal sickness despite faithful prayer—with faith in His sovereignty or doubt about His goodness?
• What mundane limitations, setbacks, or frustrations are you facing that seem unspiritual but are actually normal aspects of faithful service?
• How can Trophimus's illness and Paul's realistic acceptance encourage you when ministry doesn't proceed smoothly or miraculously?