Geographical and Historical Context:

Miletum, also known as Miletus, was an ancient city located on the western coast of Asia Minor, in what is now modern-day Turkey. It was situated near the mouth of the Maeander River and was a prominent city in the region of Ionia. Miletum was known for its strategic location, serving as a major port and a center of trade and culture in the ancient world. The city was renowned for its contributions to philosophy, science, and the arts, being the birthplace of several pre-Socratic philosophers, including Thales, Anaximander, and Anaximenes.

Biblical Significance:

Miletum holds significance in the New Testament as a location visited by the Apostle Paul during his missionary journeys. It is mentioned specifically in the Book of Acts, where Paul, on his way to Jerusalem, stops at Miletum to meet with the elders of the church in Ephesus. This meeting is a poignant moment in Paul's ministry, as he delivers a heartfelt farewell address to the Ephesian elders.

Scriptural Reference:

In Acts 20:15-17 , the journey of Paul is described: "Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The following day we crossed over to Samos, and on the day after that we came to Miletus. Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in the province of Asia, because he was in a hurry to reach Jerusalem, if possible, by the day of Pentecost. From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church."

Paul's address to the Ephesian elders at Miletum is recorded in Acts 20:18-35. In this passage, Paul reflects on his ministry among them, warns them of future challenges, and exhorts them to remain vigilant and faithful. He emphasizes the importance of shepherding the church and guarding against false teachings. This address is a testament to Paul's deep pastoral concern and his commitment to the spiritual well-being of the early Christian communities.

Theological Themes:

1. Leadership and Shepherding: Paul's meeting with the Ephesian elders at Miletum underscores the importance of strong, faithful leadership within the church. He charges the elders to "keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers" (Acts 20:28). This highlights the responsibility of church leaders to care for and protect the congregation.

2. Perseverance in Ministry: Paul's reflections on his own ministry serve as an example of perseverance and dedication. He reminds the elders of his own trials and labors, stating, "I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God" (Acts 20:27). This encourages believers to remain steadfast in their service to God, despite challenges and opposition.

3. Warning Against False Teachings: Paul warns the elders of the dangers of false teachings and the need to guard the truth of the Gospel. He predicts that "savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock" (Acts 20:29), urging vigilance and discernment in maintaining doctrinal purity.

Cultural and Archaeological Insights:

Miletum was a city of considerable cultural and intellectual influence in the ancient world. Its contributions to philosophy and science were significant, with figures like Thales laying the groundwork for Western philosophical thought. Archaeological excavations at Miletum have uncovered remnants of its grandeur, including temples, theaters, and marketplaces, providing insight into the city's historical and cultural context during the time of Paul's visit.

Legacy:

The account of Paul's visit to Miletum and his address to the Ephesian elders continues to resonate with Christians today. It serves as a powerful reminder of the responsibilities of church leadership, the importance of perseverance in faith, and the need to uphold the truth of the Gospel amidst challenges. Miletum, as a site of this significant biblical event, remains a symbol of the early church's growth and the enduring impact of Paul's ministry.Miletum

red; scarlet

Paul's Second Imprisonment, and Martyrdom; Peter, his Epistles ...
... Again, he remarks""Erastus abode at Corinth, but Trophimus have I left at Miletum
sick." [153:6] Any ordinary reader would at once infer from this ...
/.../killen/the ancient church/chapter x pauls second imprisonment.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... Ver.20. "Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.". ...
"Trophimus I have left at Miletum sick." Miletus was near Ephesus. ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

[Endnotes]
... See his "Introduction to the New Testament," iii.53. [153:7] Miletum, or Miletus,
in Crete, is mentioned by Homer. "Iliad," ii.647. [154:1] Acts 12:6-9. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/killen/the ancient church/endnotes.htm

Miletum (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Miletum (1 Occurrence). 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at
Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. (KJV WBS). ...
/m/miletum.htm - 6k

Miletus (3 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary (Miletum, 2 Timothy 4:20), a seaport town and the
ancient capital of Ionia, about 36 miles south of Ephesus. ...
/m/miletus.htm - 9k

Trophimus (3 Occurrences)
... imprisonment. (see TEMPLE, HEROD'S.) In writing to Timothy, the apostle says,
"Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick" (2 Timothy 4:20). ...
/t/trophimus.htm - 15k

Miles (5 Occurrences)

/m/miles.htm - 7k

Abode (112 Occurrences)
... (WEY). 2 Timothy 4:20 Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum
sick. (KJV WBS). James 4:5 Think ye that the scripture speaks in vain? ...
/a/abode.htm - 36k

Dispersion (4 Occurrences)
... At Pergamum, in Lydia, in Karia, at Magnesia, at Tralles, at Miletum, in Cappadocia,
Bithynia, and Pontus, considerable Jewish communities existed at the ...
/d/dispersion.htm - 44k

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