Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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2 Timothy 4:20
What does 2 Timothy 4:20 mean?
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2 Timothy 4:20
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This verse isn't just a mundane travelogue; it hints at the real-world struggles Paul faced. Despite his powerful ministry, he had to make tough calls, leaving friends behind due to their needs and circumstances, showing us that even those closest to God experience human limitations and burdens.
Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is nearing the end of his life, writing his final letter to Timothy as he anticipates his impending execution. This verse is part of a series of personal greetings and updates, where Paul is essentially tying up loose ends and letting Timothy know about the whereabouts of key companions and the circumstances they faced, even as Paul himself was imprisoned. It paints a picture of Paul's deep concern for others even in his own final days.
Paul’s final letters are filled with personal greetings and updates. But what does this brief mention of Erastus tell us about loyalty in the early church?
Loyalty in Service
Paul mentions Erastus by name, noting he "remained at Corinth." This wasn't just a casual observation; it highlights a profound commitment. Corinth was a significant, bustling city, but also known for its moral complexities. For Erastus to stay there, likely serving the church and continuing Paul’s work, speaks volumes about his faithfulness.
His position is further hinted at in Romans 16:23, where he is called "the city’s director of public works." Imagine the trust placed in him to manage such responsibilities, especially as a follower of Christ in a pagan environment. His decision to remain at his post, even when Paul was on the move and facing intense opposition, demonstrates unwavering dedication.
Not all of Paul's companions could weather the storm with him. This verse touches on the difficult reality of leaving a sick friend behind.
Ministry's Human Toll
The mention of Trophimus, left behind because he was ill in Miletus, brings a raw human element to Paul’s ministry. Miletus was a port city, not far from Ephesus, and Trophimus was a key companion who had traveled with Paul extensively. His illness meant he couldn't continue on the journey.
This situation reveals the challenging logistics and personal sacrifices involved in spreading the gospel. It wasn't always glorious travel; it involved sickness, separation, and the heartache of leaving loved ones in difficult circumstances. Paul, the apostle, felt the sting of this parting, highlighting that even in his powerful ministry, he was still deeply human, experiencing the pain of separation and concern for a suffering brother.
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Knowing Erastus was a city official in Corinth provides a striking picture of how God calls and uses people from all walks of life, integrating them into His kingdom work even within secular structures.
c. AD 48-49
Paul's First Missionary Journey
Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark travel through Cyprus and Asia Minor, establishing churches and facing opposition.
c. AD 50-52
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul travels through Asia Minor and into Greece, where he spends significant time in Corinth and plants a church there. He writes his first letter to the Corinthians from Corinth.
c. AD 53-57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
Paul revisits churches in Asia Minor and Greece. He spends over two years in Ephesus and writes to the Corinthians from Macedonia.
c. AD 57— this verse
Erastus serves as City Treasurer
Erastus, a believer in Corinth, holds the prominent civic position of 'City Treasurer' or 'Chamberlain'. This identifies him as a man of some standing in the community.
c. AD 57-58
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
After his arrest in Jerusalem, Paul is imprisoned in Caesarea and later sent to Rome, where he spends two years under house arrest. He writes the Epistle to the Philippians, Colossians, Ephesians, and Philemon during this time.
c. AD 64-67
Paul's Final Imprisonment and Execution
Paul is arrested again in Rome and faces likely execution. He writes his final letter, 2 Timothy, during this period, expressing his final instructions and encouragement.
This passage mentions Erastus being in Corinth, showing his consistent presence and role as a city official there, as mentioned in our verse.
Acts 20:4This verse lists Trophimus as one of Paul's companions traveling from Corinth, providing context for how Paul and Trophimus knew each other.
Acts 20:15This passage describes Paul passing by Miletus on his journey, the same location where he leaves Trophimus behind due to illness.
Philippians 2:25This verse refers to Epaphroditus, another companion of Paul's, who was also ill and sent back to his home church, paralleling Trophimus's situation and Paul's care for his companions.
This verse isn't just a mundane travelogue; it hints at the real-world struggles Paul faced. Despite his powerful ministry, he had to make tough calls, leaving friends behind due to their needs and circumstances, showing us that even those closest to God experience human limitations and burdens.
Paul is nearing the end of his life, writing his final letter to Timothy as he anticipates his impending execution. This verse is part of a series of personal greetings and updates, where Paul is essentially tying up loose ends and letting Timothy know about the whereabouts of key companions and the circumstances they faced, even as Paul himself was imprisoned. It paints a picture of Paul's deep concern for others even in his own final days.
Paul is nearing the end of his life, writing his final letter to Timothy as he anticipates his impending execution. This verse is part of a series of personal greetings and updates, where Paul is essentially tying up loose ends and letting Timothy know about the whereabouts of key companions and the circumstances they faced, even as Paul himself was imprisoned. It paints a picture of Paul's deep concern for others even in his own final days.
"Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus." — This verse isn't just a mundane travelogue; it hints at the real-world struggles Paul faced. Despite his powerful ministry, he had to make tough calls, leaving friends behind due to their needs and c…
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Last reviewed October 2026