2 Timothy 4:20

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 2 Timothy 4:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.
2 Timothy 4:20 — American Standard Version

Context — 2 Timothy 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Erastus remained at Corinth: but Trophimus I left at Miletus sick.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Erastus abode at Corinth, etc.] He was chamberlain of that city, ( <451623> Romans 16:23) who being sent along with Timothy into Macedonia, <441922> ( Acts 19:22) very probably went from thence into Achaia, to Corinth, his native place, where he stayed. But Trophimus have I left at Miletum sick. Trophimus was an Asian, of the city of Ephesus, the same that is spoken of in (<442004>Acts 20:4 21:29). Some say he suffered martyrdom the same day the Apostle Paul did; but others say, that after that time he was bishop of Arles in France. This man went with the apostle into Asia, and from thence to Jerusalem, and came along with him in his voyage to Rome, but falling sick by the way, was left at…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“In order to depict his desertion, he informs Timothy that Erastus, one of his usual companions (Act 19:22, possibly the same Erastus as in Rom 16:23, though how he could leave his official duties for missionary journeys is not clear), stayed behind at Corinth, his native place, or usual residence, of which city he was "chamberlain," or city steward and treasurer (Rom 16:23); and Trophimus he left behind at Miletus sick. (On his former history, see on Act 20:4; Act 21:29). This verse is irreconcilable with the imprisonment from which he writes being the first: for he did not pass by Corinth or Miletus on his way to Rome when about to be imprisoned for the first time. As Miletus was near…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Erastus - see the notes on Romans 16:23. Abode at Corinth - This was his home, where he filled an important office; see the notes at Romans 16:23. It would seem that when Paul went to Rome, there was some expectation that he would accompany him, but that reasons had occurred for his remaining in Corinth. His doing so is referred to without blame. But Trophimus - see Acts 20:4. He was a native of Asia Minor. Have I left at Miletum sick - Probably he designed to accompany him to Rome, as he had been often with him in his journeys. On the situation of Miletus, or Miletum, see the notes on Acts 20:15. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“When I came on, Erastus abode at Corinth - Being chamberlain of the city, Rom 16:23. But Trophimus I have left sick - Not having power (as neither had any of the apostles) to work miracles when he pleased, but only when God pleased. Next: Titus Chapter 1”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:20 Erastus was a resident of Corinth (Acts 19:22; Rom 16:23). Modern excavations have found an inscription at Corinth mentioning an Erastus who was the city treasurer; he was probably the same man. • Trophimus (Acts 20:4; 21:29) was an Ephesian associated with Tychicus (2 Tim 4:12).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Erastus: Act 19:22; Rom 16:23 Trophimus: Act 20:4, Act 21:29 Miletum: Act 20:15, Act 20:17, Miletus sick: Phi 2:26, Phi 2:27 2 Timothy 4:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification