2 Timothy 4:20

ἀπέλιπον. See on 2 Timothy 4:10.

20. Ἔραστος ἔμεινεν ἐν Κορίνθῳ, Erastus abode in Corinth, sc. at some epoch in the interval between the first and second imprisonments, of which we have no information. Erastus was the name of the treasurer (οἰκονόμος) of Corinth, when St Paul wrote to the Romans (Romans 16:23); and also of an emissary sent with Timothy from Ephesus to Macedonia (Acts 19:22). We cannot be sure whether we have here notices of different persons or of one and the same man. It seems however unlikely that the Erastus, whose abiding in Corinth is communicated here to Timothy as a piece of information, was a permanent official of that city; it is more probable that he was Timothy’s companion on the journey mentioned in Acts 19:22.

Τρόφιμον δὲ�, but Trophimus I left (not ‘they left,’ as some have rendered) at Miletus sick. Of Trophimus we know only what is told here and at Acts 20:21. He was a Gentile Christian of Ephesus, who, in company with Tychicus (Acts 20:5, cp. 2 Timothy 4:12 above), preceded Paul to Troas. He was seen at Jerusalem in St Paul’s society, which led to the riot, in consequence of which Paul was apprehended (Acts 21:29). The episode mentioned in this verse must be referred to St Paul’s journey in the Levant between his first and second imprisonments (see above 2 Timothy 4:12-13).

The motive for this mention of Erastus and Trophimus, both of whom had connexions with Ephesus, may possibly have been that the Apostle wished to explain that their absence from his side at this juncture was not due to unfaithfulness.