Why did Paul leave Trophimus sick in Miletus, according to 2 Timothy 4:20? Scripture Snapshot “Erastus stayed in Corinth, and I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.” (2 Timothy 4:20) Who Was Trophimus? • A Gentile believer from Asia (Acts 20:4). • Travelled with Paul on the third missionary journey (Acts 19:22). • Wrongly assumed by Jews to have entered the temple courts with Paul (Acts 21:29). Immediate Context of 2 Timothy 4 • Paul writes from a Roman prison, expecting execution (4:6–8). • He lists coworkers’ locations: some sent on mission, some who deserted, some still with him. • His focus is finishing the race faithfully, not performing public signs. Why Healing Did Not Occur Automatically • Healing gifts operate “as He wills” (1 Corinthians 12:7–11); even an apostle cannot command them at will. • Paul himself bore a “thorn in the flesh” that God chose not to remove (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). • Timothy had frequent stomach ailments; Paul prescribed practical help, not a miracle (1 Timothy 5:23). • Epaphroditus “was ill, nearly unto death,” yet healing was gradual and credited to God’s mercy, not instant apostolic power (Philippians 2:25–27). Likely Reasons Paul Left Trophimus in Miletus 1. God’s Sovereign Purpose • Illness sometimes advances spiritual maturity (James 1:2–4). • Suffering aligns believers with Christ’s own path (Philippians 3:10). 2. Ministry Priorities and Timing • Paul, under arrest and escorted toward Rome, could not remain in Miletus indefinitely. • A busy travel schedule often demanded delegation (Acts 20:17). 3. Practical Care • Miletus, a major port city, offered resources and believers who could tend Trophimus better than constant travel would. 4. Testimony of Dependence • Leaving a coworker sick underscored that the gospel rests on Christ, not merely on visible miracles (1 Corinthians 2:4–5). • It reminded the churches that God may glorify Himself either by healing or by sustaining grace (2 Corinthians 12:9). What This Teaches About God’s Work in Illness • Healing is promised ultimately in resurrection (Romans 8:23), not always temporally. • Prayer for healing remains biblical (James 5:14–16), yet answers vary according to divine wisdom. • Christian workers are not exempt from frailty; God’s power is perfected in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Take-Home Truths • Apostolic authority never displaced God’s sovereign decision on when and whom to heal. • Illness within ministry does not signal failure but can serve God’s larger plan. • The presence or absence of healing should direct believers to rely on the Lord’s sufficiency, proclaim the gospel faithfully, and care practically for the sick. |
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