trophimos

Trophimos was a prominent figure in early Christianity, primarily known through his association with the Apostle Paul. He is mentioned in the New Testament, specifically in the Acts of the Apostles and in Paul's epistles.

Trophimos was a Gentile, meaning he was not Jewish by birth, and he hailed from the city of Ephesus. His presence in the early Christian community marked a significant step in the inclusion of non-Jews into the movement, a topic of considerable debate at the time. Paul brought Trophimos with him on his missionary journeys, and he accompanied Paul to Jerusalem.

His presence in Jerusalem, however, led to a serious incident. According to the Book of Acts, some Jews from Asia Minor saw Trophimos with Paul in the temple precincts and falsely accused Paul of bringing a Gentile into the inner part of the temple, which was forbidden. This accusation ignited a riot, leading to Paul's arrest by the Roman authorities. This event had significant consequences for Paul's subsequent ministry and imprisonment.

Later in Paul's life, Trophimos is mentioned again as being ill in Miletus, and Paul left him there. This is the last mention of Trophimos in the New Testament. Tradition sometimes identifies him as a bishop, but this is not explicitly stated in the biblical accounts.