He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus
Timothy was a close companion and mentee of Paul, often accompanying him on his missionary journeys. He is mentioned frequently in the New Testament, highlighting his importance in the early church (1 Timothy 1:2, 2 Timothy 1:2). Erastus, though less frequently mentioned, is noted in Romans 16:23 as the city treasurer, indicating his possible influence and status. The sending of these two helpers underscores the importance of teamwork and delegation in ministry, reflecting the body of Christ working together with different gifts and roles (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

to Macedonia
Macedonia was a significant region in the early Christian mission, with cities like Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea being key locations where Paul established churches (Acts 16:9-12, 17:1-10). The Macedonian churches were known for their generosity despite their poverty (2 Corinthians 8:1-5), and Paul had a deep affection for them. This mission to Macedonia reflects the ongoing commitment to nurture and support these early Christian communities.

while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia
The province of Asia, particularly the city of Ephesus, was a major center for Paul's ministry. Ephesus was a bustling city known for the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and a hub of commerce and culture. Paul's extended stay in Asia allowed him to establish a strong church presence and engage in significant teaching and miracles (Acts 19:8-10). This period was crucial for spreading the Gospel throughout the region, as Ephesus served as a strategic base for reaching the surrounding areas.

1. Paul
The apostle who is orchestrating the missionary journey and sending his helpers to Macedonia.

2. Timothy
A young disciple and trusted companion of Paul, known for his faith and leadership in the early church.

3. Erastus
A lesser-known companion of Paul, possibly the city treasurer of Corinth, indicating his significant role.

4. Macedonia
A region in Northern Greece where Paul had previously established churches and was sending Timothy and Erastus to support and strengthen the believers.

5. Province of Asia
A Roman province in what is now modern-day Turkey, where Paul decided to remain for a while longer, likely to continue his ministry work.The Importance of Delegation in Ministry
Paul’s decision to send Timothy and Erastus highlights the necessity of trusting others with responsibilities in ministry. Effective delegation allows for the expansion of the Gospel and the strengthening of the church.

The Role of Trusted Companions
Timothy and Erastus were trusted companions of Paul, demonstrating the importance of having reliable and faithful partners in ministry. This encourages believers to build strong, supportive relationships within the church.

Strategic Ministry Planning
Paul’s strategic decision to stay in Asia while sending others to Macedonia shows the importance of planning and discernment in ministry efforts. It encourages believers to seek God’s guidance in making strategic decisions for the growth of His kingdom.

Faithfulness in Different Roles
Erastus, possibly a city treasurer, shows that God uses people from various backgrounds and professions for His purposes. This teaches that every believer, regardless of their secular role, can contribute significantly to God’s work.(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 youth detracted from his authority. He was to return to St. Paul, and was accordingly with him when he wrote the Second Epistle to the Corinthians (2Corinthians 1:1). Erastus may fairly be identified with the chamberlain or steward of Corinth of Romans 16:23, and was chosen probably as the companion of Timotheus because his office would carry weight with it. Sosthenes, who was with St. Paul when he wrote the First Epistle to the Corinthians (1Corinthians 1:1), had probably been staying some time at Ephesus, and as having been ruler of the synagogue, was naturally coupled by the Apostle with himself, as a mark of respect and confidence.

Verse 22. - And having sent for so he sent, A.V.; Timothy for Timotheus, A.V.; he for but he, A.V.; while for season, A.V. Two of them, etc. Erastus is here mentioned for the first time. If he is the same person who is mentioned in Romans 16:23; 2 Timothy 4:20, it is probable that he was one of St. Paul's Corinthian converts who had gone with him from Corinth to Jerusalem and Antioch, and had accompanied him through Phrygia and Galatia to Ephesus. Silos, who had been Timothy's companion on the former visit to Macedonia, seems to have left St. Paul, possibly at Jerusalem, from whence he originally came (Acts 15:22, 32, 34), and to have attached himself to Peter (1 Peter 5:12). Perhaps he was especially connected with the mission to Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, etc., as it appears from the passage just quoted that he was "a faithful brother unto them," A.V.; "or our faithful brother," R.V. He himself stayed, etc. This phrase is in singular harmony with 1 Corinthians 16:8, which seems clearly to have been written after Timothy's departure for Macedonia and before his arrival at Corinth, since Timothy is not mentioned either in the superscription or among the salutations (1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 16:19, 20), and his coming to Corinth is spoken of as doubtful, though probable, in 1 Corinthians 16:10. Both passages imply a prolongation of Paul's stay at Ephesus beyond his original intention. The special reason for this prolongation of his sojourn at Ephesus, and which is alluded to in 1 Car 16:9, is thought to be the Artemisian or Ephesian games, which were celebrated at Ephesus in May - and therefore just at this time - and which brought a vast concourse of Ionians to Ephesus. It was at this time, doubtless, that the principal sale of "silver shrines of Diana" took place, and therefore it was natural that Demetrius and his fellow-craftsmen should be very angry when they found their usual gains were cut short by the multitude of converts all over Proconsular Asia. We learn from 1 Corinthians 16:7 that Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus had arrived at Ephesus from Corinth. It is likely that their presence, together with that of Tychicus and Trophimus, two Asiatic converts, enabled St. Paul to dispense with the services of Time-thy and Erastus for a time. Ἔπεσχεν, understand σεαυτόν, kept himself back, i.e. stayed; χρόνον, a while, an indefinite phrase, but indicating a short time. Herodotus has ἐπίσχοντες (8. 113), ἐπισχὼν ὀλίγον χρόνον (1. 132), and ἐπισχὼν χρόνον (9. 49).

Parallel Commentaries ...


He sent
ἀποστείλας (aposteilas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 649: From apo and stello; set apart, i.e. to send out literally or figuratively.

two
δύο (dyo)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1417: Two. A primary numeral; 'two'.

of
τῶν (tōn)
Article - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

his
αὐτῷ (autō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

helpers,
διακονούντων (diakonountōn)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Plural
Strong's 1247: From diakonos; to be an attendant, i.e. Wait upon (figuratively) teacher; technically, to act as a Christian deacon.

Timothy
Τιμόθεον (Timotheon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5095: Timothy, a Christian of Lystra, helper of Paul. From time and theos; dear to God; Timotheus, a Christian.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

Erastus,
Ἔραστον (Eraston)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2037: Erastus, steward of Corinth, a Christian. From erao; beloved; Erastus, a Christian.

to
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

Macedonia,
Μακεδονίαν (Makedonian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3109: (Hebrew), Macedonia, a Roman province north of Achaia (Greece). From Makedon; Macedonia, a region of Greece.

[while] he
αὐτὸς (autos)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

stayed
ἐπέσχεν (epeschen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1907: From epi and echo; to hold upon, i.e. to retain; to detain; to pay attention to.

for a time
χρόνον (chronon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5550: A space of time or interval; by extension, an individual opportunity; by implication, delay.

in
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the province of] Asia.
Ἀσίαν (Asian)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 773: Asia, i.e. Asia Minor, or only its western shore.


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NT Apostles: Acts 19:22 Having sent into Macedonia two of those (Acts of the Apostles Ac)