Bible Strands
2 Timothy 4:20
Erastus has remained at Corinth, and Trophimus I left sick in Miletus.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to Timothy near the conclusion of his ministry, outlining travel arrangements and sending greetings before winter arrives.
The words — The text records ἔμεινεν (emeinen) as “remained” and ἀπὲλιπον (apelipon) as “I left,” stating plainly that Erastus stayed in Corinth while the author departed Trophimus in Miletus.
The thread — This matches earlier records of Erastus traveling with Paul in Acts 19:22 and Trophimus accompanying him to Jerusalem in Acts 21:29.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to accept that ministry involves logistical disruptions and abandoned plans, demanding continued obedience despite changed circumstances.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Erastus abode at Corinth: but Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick.
Cross-references
- Acts 20:4 Paul was accompanied by Sopater son of Pyrrhus from Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus from the province of Asia.
- Acts 19:22 He sent two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, to Macedonia, while he stayed for a time in the province of Asia.
- Acts 21:29 For they had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city, and they assumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
- Philippians 2:26 For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill.
- Acts 20:15 Sailing on from there, we arrived the next day opposite Chios. The day after that we arrived at Samos, and on the following day we came to Miletus.
- Romans 16:23 Gaius, who has hosted me and all the church, sends you greetings. Erastus, the city treasurer, sends you greetings, as does our brother Quartus.
- Acts 20:17 From Miletus, Paul sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church.