Erastus abode at Corinth, but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. 2 Timothy 4:20
Bible scholars are at odds over the identities of the two men named in our text. They wonder whether Erastus is the same man mentioned in Romans 16:23 as the chamberlain, or city treasurer, in Corinth, or whether he is the Erastus who in Acts 19:22 is among those who ministered to Paul in Ephesus and who Paul sent with Timothy into Macedonia. Arguments could be made either way, but the better case can be made that this was the Corinthian chamberlain. As for Trophimus, there is little doubt that this was the same man – a Gentile from Ephesus – whose presence cause a huge uproar in Jerusalem, when the Jews assumed that Paul had taken him into the temple (Acts 21:29). Trophimus was a faithful worker in the Gospel, one of those who had accompanied Paul on one of his missionary journeys to Macedonia (Acts 20:4). Paul’s mention of these two men causes us to consider the examples they give to us of faithful Christians.
Erastus is proof that God saves and uses people who hold important government positions. He was able to serve the city of Corinth faithfully at the same time as he was a faithful member of the Assembly in that city. We are not told what his role was in the Assembly, but his mention in Romans 16:23 indicates he had some prominence, and was possibly an elder there. Regardless, he was active in the Assembly. When Paul mentions that Erastus abode – or remained at his post – in Corinth, he is commending the man for his steadfastness. No doubt, Erastus would have wanted to accompany Paul and to help in the missionary work. But he saw his need in Corinth, and stayed where God had put him. Many young Christians are often attracted to such public work as preaching and missionary service. If the Holy Spirit leads, bless them, let them go. But God also needs stalwarts in His local Assemblies, men and women who will be the backbone of the fellowship in service, study, and devotion. It may not sound as glamorous, but it is vital to God’s testimony.
Unlike Erastus, Trophimus was involved in active Gospel work, and did not remain in one place, but went where the Lord directed him. For him to become so ill that he had to stay in Miletum would have been of great discouragement to him in his service. But there was no help for it; he was sick. We don’t know what the illness was or how serious, but Paul recognized that it was best that he stay in Miletum until he was well. There are also times when the Lord’s people are set aside by sickness or circumstances, to their great discouragement. But Trophimus presents an example that this is something that God allows sometimes. And it’s OK. Even when we can’t understand it, if God brings us into a tough situation, we are in a situation that God approves.
Those early day Christians of who we know so little were just like us, doing what they could to serve their Lord, and facing situations that are just like ours. They don’t appear in our Bible by chance. Let their example be our encouragement. -Jim MacIntosh