What is the meaning of 2 Timothy 4:20? Setting the Scene Paul closes his last letter, written from a Roman dungeon, with very down-to-earth travel notes (2 Timothy 4:9-22). These personal lines are not filler; they remind us that the gospel advances through real people in real places, not abstract ideals. Acts 19:21-22 and Acts 20:1-6 show the same blend of mission strategy and friendship. “Erastus has remained at Corinth” • Erastus was already a trusted coworker. Acts 19:22 records Paul sending “Timothy and Erastus ahead into Macedonia.” • Romans 16:23 identifies him as “the city treasurer,” proof that believers served Christ while holding influential civic posts. The inscription archaeologists found in Corinth confirming an Erastus who “laid this pavement at his own expense” further supports the literal accuracy of Scripture. • By staying in Corinth, Erastus helped stabilize the church that Paul had once pastored for eighteen months (Acts 18:11). Corinth still needed mature leadership, as 1 Corinthians and 2 Corinthians reveal. • Paul’s decision shows flexibility: sometimes the Spirit directs coworkers to stay put rather than travel (cf. Titus 1:5, where Titus is left in Crete “to set in order what was lacking”). Trophimus I Left Sick in Miletus • Trophimus, a believer from the province of Asia, traveled with Paul on the third missionary journey (Acts 20:4). Later, Jews falsely accused Paul of bringing him into the temple (Acts 21:27-29), underscoring his close association with the apostle. • Despite God having used Paul to perform “extraordinary miracles” at Ephesus (Acts 19:11-12), Trophimus was not instantly healed. Scripture presents both divine healing and temporary illness without contradiction (Philippians 2:25-30; 1 Timothy 5:23). • Miletus, a port about thirty miles south of Ephesus (Acts 20:15-17), would have had resources for medical care and rest. Luke, “the beloved physician” (Colossians 4:14), may still have been traveling with Paul and could minister practically. • God’s sovereignty over sickness teaches humility. Healing is His gift, not a guarantee we can command. James 5:14-16 urges prayer and anointing but leaves the outcome to the Lord’s will. Lessons for Our Walk • Faithful workers sometimes stay behind; others press on. Either path honors Christ when obeying His call (Ephesians 2:10). • Illness does not equal lack of faith. Even apostolic companions suffered; believers today can trust God in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). • Practical compassion—making sure someone sick has lodging, care, and fellowship—is part of gospel ministry (Matthew 25:36). • Personal details in Scripture anchor doctrine in history, assuring us that the Bible records verifiable events (Luke 1:1-4). summary 2 Timothy 4:20 shows Paul’s real-world ministry decisions: Erastus stayed in Corinth to serve a needy congregation, while Trophimus remained in Miletus, recovering under God’s care. These brief comments affirm that Christian service can mean staying or going, health or sickness, yet in every circumstance Christ directs His people and His Word stands true. |
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