“Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.” — 2 Timothy 4:21 (KJV)
A Loyal Companion in the Roman Shadows
Eubulus was a Christian believer in Rome during one of the darkest periods of the early church. His name appears in the final chapter of the final letter written by the Apostle Paul. His name is of Greek origin (Euboulos), meaning “prudent,” “well-advised,” or “of good counsel.”
While history provides few details of his life, his presence at Paul’s side is a powerful testimony to his character. At the time this was written, Paul was a prisoner in a cold Roman dungeon (likely the Mamertine Prison), awaiting execution under the Emperor Nero. To be associated with Paul at this moment was not merely socially taboo—it was physically dangerous.
The Contrast of Faithfulness
To understand who Eubulus was, one must look at the context of those who had fled. In this same chapter, Paul laments that Demas had forsaken him, “having loved this present world,” and that “at my first answer no man stood with me, but all men forsook me” (2 Timothy 4:10, 16).
In this atmosphere of desertion and fear, Eubulus stayed. He is listed among the small remnant of “the brethren” who remained loyal to the Apostle and the Gospel. His greeting sent to Timothy indicates that:
- He was a known leader: Timothy, who was in Ephesus, would have recognized Eubulus as a trusted figure in the Roman church.
- He was part of a courageous circle: He is grouped with Pudens, Linus, and Claudia—individuals who traditional church history suggests were influential figures in the early Roman Christian community.
A Voice from the “End”
Eubulus represents the “Ministry of Presence.” He did not write an Epistle, and we have no record of his sermons, but he provided the human comfort that the Apostle Paul craved in his final days. When Paul urged Timothy to “come before winter,” it was because the nights were getting colder and the time of his “departure” was at hand. Eubulus was there to bridge the gap until Timothy arrived.
The Theological Lesson
The mention of Eubulus serves as a reminder of the Communion of Saints. Even when the great giants of the faith like Paul are facing their end, God provides “prudent” and “well-advised” companions to sustain them. Eubulus is a testament that:
- Faithfulness is measured in the storm: It is easy to follow Christ when the crowds are cheering; Eubulus followed Him when the Roman sword was being unsheathed.
- Every name is recorded: Though he is mentioned only once, the Holy Spirit saw fit to preserve his name for eternity as one who greeted the saints while the world was falling apart.
Summary
Eubulus was a Roman Christian who chose the “good counsel” of standing with a condemned prisoner of Christ rather than the safety of the world. He was a pillar of the Roman church whose quiet loyalty helped comfort the greatest missionary the world has ever known during his final hours.