2 Timothy 4:20 – “Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
At first glance, this verse may seem like a simple travel update, but it reveals important things about life, ministry, and the reality of following Christ. Paul mentions Erastus, who stayed behind in Corinth, and Trophimus, who was left sick in Miletus. These are not just logistics-they are personal and pastoral decisions shaped by real-life limitations.
Paul doesn’t explain why Erastus stayed in Corinth. Perhaps he had work to continue there-whether in ministry, service, or practical help for the church. As for Trophimus, Paul didn’t miraculously heal him, even though God had used Paul to heal others before. Instead, Paul left him in Miletus because of his illness. This shows us that even faithful believers like Trophimus get sick, and even someone like Paul couldn’t always fix it.
This verse reminds us that Christian life includes sickness, disappointment, and hard choices, but even in those things, God is still at work.
Historical Context
Erastus is mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. In Romans 16:23, he is called the city’s director of public works (or treasurer), which suggests he was a respected figure in Corinth. He may have remained there to continue serving the church or the city in a strategic way.
Trophimus was one of Paul’s traveling companions and is mentioned in Acts 20:4 and 21:29. He was a Gentile believer from Asia. Paul took him on his missionary journeys and valued him highly. The fact that Paul left him sick in Miletus tells us that ministry plans were sometimes adjusted due to human weakness and illness.
Miletus was a coastal city in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey), near Ephesus, where Timothy was serving. Paul may have been passing through or visiting churches in the region.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that even the most faithful Christians are not immune to hardship or illness. Trophimus was a devoted servant, yet he became sick. Paul had previously performed miracles of healing (Acts 19:11–12), yet here, he leaves a friend behind due to sickness. This reminds us that healing is not always guaranteed, and it’s not always God’s will to heal in the moment.
It also shows that God works through ordinary decisions-where people stay, where they go, who remains behind. Not everything in ministry is dramatic or miraculous. Much of it involves faithfulness in the small, practical things.
Finally, it highlights that even unfinished or imperfect situations-like a sick coworker or a teammate staying behind-are still part of God’s plan. Ministry doesn’t always go smoothly, but God’s purposes are still being fulfilled.
Literary Analysis
This verse continues the personal tone of Paul’s closing remarks. It has a factual, report-like structure: “Erastus stayed… Trophimus I left…” These short statements give insight into Paul’s relationships and decisions during his final days.
The verse contains no complaint, explanation, or justification. It simply presents the reality: people are in different places, doing different things, and facing different struggles.
This realistic tone adds to the authenticity and humanity of Paul’s letter. It reminds us that the New Testament was written by real people, in real situations, following a real Savior.
Biblical Cross-References
- Romans 16:23 – Erastus is mentioned as a public official and fellow believer.
- Acts 20:4 – Trophimus is listed among Paul’s traveling companions.
- Acts 21:29 – Trophimus is falsely accused of entering the temple, which led to Paul’s arrest.
- Philippians 2:25–30 – Paul mentions Epaphroditus, another believer who became seriously ill while serving the Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7–9 – Paul speaks of his own “thorn in the flesh,” which God chose not to remove.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that Christian ministry is not about perfection or comfort. Even faithful servants get sick. Plans change. People stay behind. That’s normal in a fallen world. The key is trusting God through it all.
It also encourages us not to see illness or weakness as a failure. God’s work doesn’t stop when we’re weak. In fact, His strength is often shown more clearly in those moments (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Finally, this verse calls us to stay faithful wherever we are-whether that’s traveling, staying in one place, or recovering from illness. God uses all of it.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in how He cares for His people even in weakness. He didn’t abandon Trophimus in his sickness. Even though Paul had to leave him behind, God remained with him.
This verse shows us that God is not only present in miracles-He’s present in the everyday details of life. Whether someone is ministering in Corinth or recovering in Miletus, God sees, provides, and works through it.
His love is steady and personal. He doesn’t forget those who are sidelined, sick, or unseen. He values each of His children, regardless of their health or location.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus knows what it’s like to walk in human weakness. He experienced hunger, fatigue, pain, and suffering. He healed many, but He also wept and grieved when His friend Lazarus died. Jesus didn’t avoid suffering-He entered into it fully.
Because of Jesus, we know that our suffering is never wasted. He redeems every trial. He meets us in our weakness and promises to never leave us.
And through His death and resurrection, He secured our ultimate healing-not just from sickness, but from sin and death itself (Isaiah 53:5; Revelation 21:4).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How do you respond when your plans are interrupted by sickness or unexpected challenges?
- What does this verse teach you about how God works in ordinary, messy, or difficult situations?
- Have you ever felt “left behind” or sidelined in life or ministry? How can this verse encourage you?
- How can you care for others who are going through illness or hardship in a Christlike way?
- What does it mean to be faithful to God, even when life isn’t going the way you expected?