2 Timothy 1:15

KJV

¶ This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

KJV (with Strong's)

This {G5124} thou knowest {G1492}, that {G3754} all {G3956} they which are in {G1722} Asia {G773} be turned away from {G654} me {G3165}; of whom {G3739} are {G2076} Phygellus {G5436} and {G2532} Hermogenes {G2061}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You know that everyone in the province of Asia turned away from me, including Phygelus and Ermogenes.

Berean Standard Bible

You know that everyone in the Province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

American Standard Version

This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 2 Timothy 1:15, the Apostle Paul conveys a deeply sorrowful reality to his beloved protégé, Timothy: a significant number of believers from the Roman province of Asia, including specific individuals like Phygellus and Hermogenes, have abandoned him during his imprisonment. This poignant statement underscores the profound personal cost of faithful gospel ministry and the painful reality of desertion faced by even the most steadfast servants of God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Paul's final, most personal, and arguably most urgent letter, written from Roman imprisonment, likely shortly before his martyrdom. The preceding verses ([2 Timothy 1:6-14](/2_timothy/1-6-14 "2 Timothy 1:6-14 - Paul's Charge to Timothy")) emphasize Timothy's spiritual heritage, the importance of stirring up his gift, and the call to guard the good deposit of the gospel. Paul's lament in [2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "2 Timothy 1:15 - Paul's Desertion by Asian Believers") serves as a stark contrast to this encouragement, highlighting the real pressures and defections that threaten the church and its leaders. It sets the stage for Paul's subsequent exhortations to Timothy to remain steadfast, endure hardship, and faithfully pass on the truth, even when others falter ([2 Timothy 2:1-2](/2_timothy/2-1-2 "2 Timothy 2:1-2 - Be Strong in Grace")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul's imprisonment, most likely his second in Rome, was a time of intense persecution for Christians under Emperor Nero. Such periods often tested the loyalty and courage of believers, leading some to abandon their leaders or even their faith to avoid suffering or death. The province of Asia, particularly its capital Ephesus where Timothy was ministering, was a significant center of Paul's missionary work ([Acts 19:10](/acts/19-10 "Acts 19:10 - Paul's Ministry in Asia")). The turning away of these individuals was not merely a personal slight but a significant blow to Paul and potentially a source of discouragement for the churches in that region. Their desertion likely stemmed from fear of association with an imprisoned and condemned apostle, or perhaps from succumbing to false teachings that were beginning to infiltrate the churches.
* **Key Themes:** [2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "2 Timothy 1:15 - Paul's Desertion by Asian Believers") contributes to several overarching themes in 2 Timothy. Firstly, it highlights the **reality of unfaithfulness and apostasy** within the Christian community, a recurring concern for Paul throughout this letter ([2 Timothy 2:16-18](/2_timothy/2-16-18 "2 Timothy 2:16-18 - False Teachers")). Secondly, it underscores the **personal cost and suffering inherent in gospel ministry**, particularly for those who stand firm in the face of opposition ([2 Timothy 2:3](/2_timothy/2-3 "2 Timothy 2:3 - Enduring Hardship")). Thirdly, by naming specific individuals, Paul emphasizes the **pain of personal betrayal and desertion**, even as he calls Timothy to a higher standard of loyalty and perseverance, contrasting the wavering commitment of some with the unwavering faithfulness required of a true servant of Christ ([2 Timothy 4:5](/2_timothy/4-5 "2 Timothy 4:5 - Fulfill Your Ministry")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **knowest (Greek, _eídō'_):** From G1492, a primary verb meaning "to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know." This indicates that Timothy was already aware of this painful reality concerning the believers in Asia. Paul is not informing him of something new, but rather acknowledging a shared sorrow and confirming a known fact, which adds to the poignancy of the statement.
* **all (Greek, _pâs'_):** From G3956, meaning "all, any, every, the whole." While "all" here might be a hyperbolic expression rather than an absolute literal count of every single believer, it strongly conveys the widespread nature of the defection. It suggests that the turning away was not isolated to a few, but was a general trend among those Paul had ministered to in Asia, making the desertion particularly disheartening.
* **turned away from (Greek, _apostréphō'_):** From G654, meaning "to turn away or back (literally or figuratively); to bring again, pervert, turn away (from)." This verb implies a decisive and deliberate act of withdrawal or desertion. It is not merely a passive drifting apart, but an active turning away from Paul, likely due to fear of persecution, disillusionment, or perhaps even theological disagreement. The perfect tense of the verb (ἀπεστράφησαν, *apestraphēsan*) indicates a completed action with ongoing results, emphasizing the permanence of their defection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"This thou knowest":** Paul begins by appealing to Timothy's existing knowledge, indicating that the defection of the Asian believers was a known and painful reality for both of them. This shared understanding forms a bond of empathy between the imprisoned apostle and his struggling protégé.
* **"that all they which are in Asia":** This clause specifies the group of defectors: a broad representation of believers from the Roman province of Asia, a region where Paul had invested years of his life and ministry, establishing churches and raising up leaders. The term "all" suggests a pervasive and disheartening trend rather than isolated incidents.
* **"be turned away from me":** This is the core lament. The Greek verb *apostréphō* signifies a decisive and deliberate turning away, implying a withdrawal of support, loyalty, or fellowship. This desertion was directed specifically "from me" (Paul), highlighting the personal nature of the betrayal and the isolation he experienced during his imprisonment.
* **"of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes":** Paul names two specific individuals as prominent examples of this widespread turning away. By naming them, Paul not only provides concrete illustrations of the defection but also underscores the gravity of their actions, making the abstract concept of "all" tragically personal. Their names become synonymous with unfaithfulness in the face of adversity.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices. **Lament** is evident in Paul's sorrowful tone as he recounts the painful reality of desertion. This is coupled with **Personal Testimony**, as Paul shares his direct experience of abandonment, making his suffering palpable and relatable. The mention of "Phygellus and Hermogenes" serves as a clear example of **Exemplification**, providing concrete instances of the general defection from Asia. This specific naming makes the widespread turning away more immediate and impactful, allowing Timothy to grasp the personal cost of such unfaithfulness. Furthermore, there is an implicit **Contrast** between Paul's steadfast endurance in chains and the faltering commitment of those who abandoned him, which subtly reinforces the call for Timothy's unwavering loyalty.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates the human reality of unfaithfulness in the face of adversity, even within the nascent Christian community. It serves as a sober reminder that not all who begin the journey of faith or commitment will persevere, and that even spiritual giants like Paul can experience profound personal betrayal. Theologically, it underscores the critical distinction between human reliability and divine faithfulness. While people may abandon us, God remains steadfast and true, providing ultimate security and comfort. This passage also highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality of suffering for the gospel, demonstrating that such suffering can lead to isolation and desertion from those who fear association with it.

* [2 Timothy 4:16](/2_timothy/4-16 "2 Timothy 4:16 - Paul's First Defense")
* [2 Timothy 2:13](/2_timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - God Remains Faithful")
* [Matthew 10:22](/matthew/10-22 "Matthew 10:22 - Perseverance to the End")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's lament in [2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "2 Timothy 1:15 - Paul's Desertion by Asian Believers") offers profound insights for believers today. It reminds us that ministry and faithful living are not immune to disappointment, betrayal, or the pain of being forsaken. Even those we have poured into, or those who once stood with us, may turn away when the cost becomes too high or the pressure too intense. This reality calls us to place our ultimate trust not in the fluctuating loyalty of people, but in the unwavering faithfulness of God. It challenges us to examine our own commitment: will we remain steadfast when circumstances are difficult, when association with Christ or His servants brings reproach, or when the popular tide turns against the gospel? Our perseverance in faith and loyalty, even when others falter, becomes a powerful testimony to the enduring power of Christ within us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you respond when people you trust or have invested in disappoint or abandon you, especially in the context of your faith or ministry?**
* **In what ways might the "turning away" of others challenge your own commitment to Christ or His church, and how can you guard against similar defection?**
* **How does knowing that even Paul experienced such profound desertion encourage or instruct you in your own Christian walk?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the importance of perseverance and loyalty in the Christian life, particularly when facing adversity or social pressure?**

### FAQ
**Who were Phygellus and Hermogenes, and why did they turn away from Paul?**

Answer: Phygellus and Hermogenes are mentioned only here in [2 Timothy 1:15](/2_timothy/1-15 "2 Timothy 1:15 - Paul's Desertion by Asian Believers"), and the Bible provides no further details about them. They were evidently known to Timothy and were prominent enough examples to be named by Paul. While the exact reasons for their turning away are not stated, it's highly probable that their defection, along with "all they which are in Asia," was due to the intense persecution faced by Christians during Paul's second Roman imprisonment under Emperor Nero. Associating with an imprisoned apostle, especially one facing execution, would have carried significant risks, potentially leading to arrest, torture, or death. Their turning away was likely an act of self-preservation, perhaps also influenced by a weakening of faith or succumbing to false teachings that offered an easier path.

**Does "all they which are in Asia" mean every single Christian in the province deserted Paul?**

Answer: While the Greek word *pâs* (G3956), translated as "all," can mean every single one, in biblical and ancient Greek usage, it often functions as a hyperbole or a generalization, signifying a very large number or a widespread trend rather than an absolute totality. Given the vastness of the Roman province of Asia and the strong churches Paul had established there (e.g., Ephesus, Colossae, Laodicea), it's unlikely that literally every single believer deserted him. Instead, it most likely indicates that a significant and disheartening majority of those Paul had known and worked with in Asia, or at least those who might have been expected to support him, had turned away. This widespread defection would have been deeply painful and discouraging for Paul.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's poignant lament over the desertion by believers in Asia, including Phygellus and Hermogenes, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the experience of Jesus Christ. The Lord Himself endured far greater abandonment, not merely by associates but by His closest disciples, in His most critical hour. In the Garden of Gethsemane, while facing the agony of the cross, His disciples fell asleep, unable to watch with Him for even an hour ([Matthew 26:40](/matthew/26-40 "Matthew 26:40 - Disciples Fall Asleep")). When He was arrested, "all the disciples left him and fled" ([Matthew 26:56](/matthew/26-56 "Matthew 26:56 - Disciples Flee")), and Peter, His most vocal follower, denied Him three times ([Matthew 26:69-75](/matthew/26-69-75 "Matthew 26:69-75 - Peter Denies Jesus")). Yet, unlike Paul, who could still rely on Timothy's loyalty, Jesus was utterly forsaken, even crying out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus Cries Out")). Christ's perfect faithfulness in the face of complete human desertion provides the ultimate paradigm for enduring suffering and betrayal. His experience validates the pain of abandonment while simultaneously demonstrating the divine strength available to those who, like Paul, follow in His footsteps. Moreover, His resurrection and subsequent commissioning of the very disciples who had abandoned Him ([John 21:15-19](/john/21-15-19 "John 21:15-19 - Jesus Restores Peter")) reveal His boundless grace and power to restore, offering hope even for those who have turned away.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Timothy 4:16

¶ At my first answer no man stood with me, but all [men] forsook me: [I pray God] that it may not be laid to their charge.

Philippians 2:21

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

Acts 19:10

And this continued by the space of two years; so that all they which dwelt in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

2 Timothy 4:10

For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.

2 Timothy 4:11

Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry.

1 Corinthians 16:19

¶ The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Priscilla salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.

Acts 19:27

So that not only this our craft is in danger to be set at nought; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana should be despised, and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.