And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul sends Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, but the subtle point is that he stays behind himself in Asia for a time. This wasn't just a casual delay; Paul was intentionally waiting in Ephesus to continue building momentum for the Gospel there before he himself moved on.
And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Fresh off the heels of a massive revival in Ephesus, where sorcerers burned their occult books and the city's silversmiths protested, Paul is planning his next steps. He decides to send Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, likely to prepare the churches there and perhaps to gather contributions for believers in Jerusalem. Paul, however, delays his own departure, choosing to remain in the region of Asia for a while longer.
Paul didn't do it all himself. Discover why he sent Timothy and Erastus ahead, and what it reveals about his leadership.
Paul was a master strategist, and sending Timothy and Erastus into Macedonia wasn't just about delegation; it was about effective ministry.
Preparing the Way
Timothy, young but entrusted with significant responsibility, was sent to prepare the churches in Macedonia and Corinth. His mission was to remind them of Paul's teachings and encourage them, potentially softening the impact of any necessary discipline Paul might need to administer upon his arrival. This allowed Paul to address issues with wisdom and grace, ensuring the spiritual health of the churches.
Strategic Partnerships
Erastus, possibly the city treasurer of Corinth, was sent alongside Timothy. His involvement likely provided practical support and authority, perhaps aiding in the organization of church affairs or even facilitating collections for the Jerusalem church. Paul chose his companions wisely, leveraging their unique skills for the greater good of the gospel mission.
Why did Paul linger in Ephesus while his companions traveled? Explore the divine wisdom behind his extended stay.
Paul's decision to stay in Asia (Ephesus) for a time, while Timothy and Erastus headed to Macedonia, reveals a profound understanding of God's timing and purpose.
Focusing on Ephesus
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While the Macedonian churches needed encouragement, Ephesus was a crucial hub for the gospel in Asia. Paul likely had significant ministry to accomplish there, perhaps dealing with the fallout from the silversmiths' riot, solidifying the church, and continuing to preach the Word. His presence was vital for the established work in this large, influential city.
Laying Groundwork for the Future
Paul's ultimate goal was to travel to Jerusalem and then to Rome. His extended stay in Ephesus allowed him to consolidate his work in Asia, potentially gather resources for the Jerusalem collection, and prepare for the next phases of his missionary journeys. It was a time of strategic consolidation before moving forward.
This verse shows Paul strategically deploying his trusted helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia while he remains in Ephesus to continue his ministry and oversee the important collection for the suffering believers in Jerusalem.
c. AD 47-49
Paul's Second Missionary Journey
Paul, Barnabas, and Silas travel through Asia Minor and into Macedonia and Achaia, establishing churches.
c. AD 50-52— this verse
Paul's Ministry in Ephesus
Paul spends over two years in Ephesus, a major Roman city in the province of Asia, during his Third Missionary Journey. This period sees significant growth of the church but also fierce opposition from traditionalists.
c. AD 54-56
Paul's First Letter to the Corinthians
Written from Ephesus during this stay, this letter addresses various issues within the Corinthian church and includes instructions about Timothy's upcoming visit.
c. AD 57
Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians
Written likely from Macedonia or Philippi after leaving Ephesus, this letter discusses the collection for the Jerusalem church and Paul's apostolic authority.
c. AD 57
Paul's Third Missionary Journey
After leaving Ephesus due to the silversmiths' riot, Paul travels through Macedonia and Achaia, likely overseeing the collection for Jerusalem.
c. AD 60
Paul's Letter to the Romans
Written from Corinth, this letter anticipates Paul's eventual visit to Rome and mentions Erastus, who served as the city's treasurer.
This passage directly explains Paul's intention in sending Timothy, noting he was sent to remind the Corinthians of Paul's ways in Christ, highlighting Timothy's role as a trusted messenger.
1 Corinthians 16:10-11Here Paul instructs the Corinthians on how to receive Timothy, indicating Timothy's return to Paul and emphasizing Paul's concern for Timothy's well-being and ministry, which aligns with his sending him ahead.
Romans 16:23This verse mentions Erastus, who is identified as the city treasurer of Corinth, suggesting his competence and potentially his role in managing financial matters related to Paul's ministry, including collections.
2 Corinthians 8:1-6This passage speaks of the collection for the poor saints in Jerusalem, a significant undertaking that Paul was preparing for, suggesting that sending capable individuals like Timothy and Erastus would be crucial for its success.
2 Timothy 4:20Erastus is mentioned again as having stayed in Corinth, providing context for his previous involvement in ministry and suggesting his established presence in key cities where Paul ministered.
ellicottActs 19:22: "So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season."
(22) Timotheus and Erastus. —Light is thrown on the mission of the former by 1Corinthians 4:17 . He was sent on in advance to warn and exhort, and so to save the Apostle from the necessity of using severity when he himself arrived. St. Paul exhorts the Corinthians ( 1Corinthians 16:10 ) to receive him with respect, so that he might not feel that his yo…
pooleActs 19:22: "So he sent into Macedonia two of them that ministered unto him, Timotheus and Erastus; but he himself stayed in Asia for a season."
Ministered unto him; this great apostle had not any to minister unto him out of state, but out of necessity, being he could not himself attend to all the offices of the church. These were employed by Paul, not so much to procure any accommodation for himself by the way, as to further a collection for the poor brethren at Jerusalem, 2 Corinthians 9:3,4…
Paul sends Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, but the subtle point is that he stays behind himself in Asia for a time. This wasn't just a casual delay; Paul was intentionally waiting in Ephesus to continue building momentum for the Gospel there before he himself moved on.
Fresh off the heels of a massive revival in Ephesus, where sorcerers burned their occult books and the city's silversmiths protested, Paul is planning his next steps. He decides to send Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, likely to prepare the churches there and perhaps to gather contributions for believers in Jerusalem. Paul, however, delays his own departure, choosing to remain in the region of Asia for a while longer.
Fresh off the heels of a massive revival in Ephesus, where sorcerers burned their occult books and the city's silversmiths protested, Paul is planning his next steps. He decides to send Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, likely to prepare the churches there and perhaps to gather contributions for believers in Jerusalem. Paul, however, delays his own departure, choosing to remain in the region of Asia for a while longer.
"And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while." — Paul sends Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, but the subtle point is that he stays behind himself in Asia for a time. This wasn't just a casual delay; Paul was intentionally waiting in Ephesu…
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Last reviewed October 2026