2 Timothy 1:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

In 2 Timothy 1:15, the Apostle Paul expresses a poignant lament to his beloved protégé, Timothy. From his imprisonment, likely in Rome, Paul reveals that many who were once his companions and supporters in the Roman province of Asia (modern-day western Turkey) have deserted him. He specifically names Phygellus and Hermogenes as examples of this turning away.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's final letter, believed to be written shortly before his execution. It's a deeply personal epistle, offering encouragement, warnings, and instructions to Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus, a major city in Asia. Paul's statement here highlights the immense pressure and isolation he faced during his imprisonment, emphasizing the harsh realities of Christian ministry and the pervasive threat of persecution that led some to abandon their commitment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Pain of Desertion: Paul, who poured his life into evangelizing and establishing churches throughout Asia Minor, experiences the profound sadness of being forsaken by those he had served. This underscores the personal cost and emotional toll of faithful gospel ministry.
  • The Reality of Unfaithfulness: The verse serves as a stark reminder that not all who begin in faith or commitment will persevere. Even within the early church, some succumbed to fear, pressure, or false teachings, leading them to abandon their spiritual leaders or even their faith.
  • A Warning and Encouragement for Timothy: Paul's vulnerability here implicitly encourages Timothy to remain steadfast and loyal to the gospel, even when facing similar challenges or widespread unfaithfulness. It calls Timothy to a deeper commitment to the truth of the gospel and Paul's teaching.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek phrase translated "turned away" is apestraphēsan (ἀπεστράφησαν), which implies a decisive and complete turning away or withdrawal. It suggests a deliberate act of desertion rather than a passive drifting. This strong verb underscores the gravity of their actions and Paul's deep disappointment.

Related Scriptures

Paul's experience of being forsaken is echoed elsewhere in his writings. He specifically mentions being abandoned at his first defense in Rome (2 Timothy 4:16), underscoring a recurring pattern of human unreliability. Despite such disappointments, Paul consistently points to the faithfulness of God, reminding us that even if we are faithless, He remains faithful.

Practical Application

This verse offers valuable lessons for believers today. It reminds us that:

  • Challenges, opposition, and even desertion can be part of the Christian journey, especially for those committed to gospel ministry.
  • Our ultimate trust must be in God's unwavering character, not in the fluctuating loyalty of people.
  • We are called to persevere in faith and loyalty, even when others around us falter or turn away. It encourages us to be like Timothy, remaining steadfast in the face of adversity and upholding the testimony of the Lord.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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