IMPORTANT PEOPLE. 2nd Timothy 4:20 Erastus, the chamberlain of Corinth, assures us that those in positions of authority also become involved in the work of the Lord. His role in the city would be similar to that of a treasurer or director of public works. That position would be one where trustworthiness is expected, and honesty would be displayed openly for the public to see.
Believers' ethics in all areas of behavior must be morally, physically, and spiritually upright. The new birth marks the start of our ethical conduct. God grants us a new nature that seeks much higher than merely pleasing people. The foundation of our moral conduct is the word of God, which guides our actions, choices, and commitments. Love for God and others is central to our ethics, and prayer helps maintain fellowship with God. The Holy Spirit is the protector of our ethics and empowers us to go beyond what is typical for men, where righteousness in our decisions and actions becomes a reality.
Trophimus was from Ephesus and a trustworthy man who, along with many other men who had traveled with Paul, was able to work in the Gospel. Now, he was sick and on the apostle's mind. He had been with Paul on various trips and had been with him in Jerusalem when Paul was arrested. In fact, Trophimus was a Greek, and the religious Jews thought Paul had taken Trophimus into the temple with him. That assumption led to Paul’s arrest, imprisonment, and the first journey to Rome.