2 Timothy 4:20 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Erastus remained at Corinth, and I left Trophimus, who was ill, at Miletus.

NIV: Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.

NASB: Erastus remained at Corinth, but I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

CSB: Erastus has remained at Corinth; I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

NLT: Erastus stayed at Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick at Miletus.

KJV: Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.

NKJV: Erastus stayed in Corinth, but Trophimus I have left in Miletus sick.

These final verses of 2 Timothy serve as a post-script. Paul is offering various greetings and messages. Here, he mentions Erastus, who "remained at Corinth." Timothy and Erastus had known each other for some time and had served in Macedonia together (Acts 19:22). Erastus was called a "city treasurer" in Corinth in Romans 16:23. This would be consistent with this verse that notes he "remained" at Corinth.

Trophimus is also mentioned in Acts 20:4 and 21:29. He was an Ephesian Christian (Acts 21:29) who served with Paul in ministry, taking gifts to the poor believers in Jerusalem together before Paul's arrest there. In this verse he is noted as being "ill" with some unknown sickness and staying at Miletus. Miletus was a town near Ephesus where an early Christian community existed (Acts 20:15, 17). Trophimus had served at least some time with Paul shortly before his second Roman imprisonment, though where and for how long is uncertain.

Second Timothy 4:19–22 wraps up Paul's last letter to his dear friend, Timothy. Paul has already asked Timothy to quickly make a trip to see him. Despite one successful trial, Paul knows he will not leave Rome alive. Here, he once again asks Timothy not to delay in making one last trip. Paul also gives some final greetings, both his own and from others in Rome. Paul ends the letter with the same emphasis marking his life and ministry work: the grace of God.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.

Accessed 5/4/2024 9:21:33 PM