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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers 2 Timothy 4:9–15.
Here are divers particular matters which Paul mentions to Timothy, now at the closing of the epistle. 1. He bids him hasten to him, if possible (Ti2 4:9): So thy diligence to come shortly to me. For Timothy was an evangelist, one who was not a fixed pastor of any one place, but attended the motions of the apostles, to build upon their foundation. Paul wanted Timothy's company and help; and the reason he gives is because several had left him (Ti2 4:10); one from an ill principle, namely, Demas, who abides under an ill name for it: Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world. He quitted Paul and his interest, either for fear of suffering (because Paul was now a prisoner, and he was afraid o coming into trouble upon his account) or being called off from his ministry by secular affairs, in which he entangled himself; his first love to Christ and his gospel was forsaken and forgotten, and he fell in love with the world. Note, Love to this present world is often the cause of apostasy from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ. He has gone off, has departed to Thessalonica, called thither perhaps by trade, or by some other worldly business. Crescens had gone one way and Titus another way. Luke however remained with Paul (Ti2 4:11, Ti2 4:12), and was not this enough? Paul did not think it so; he loved the company of his friends. 2. He speaks respectfully concerning Mark: He is profitable to me for the ministry. It is supposed that this Mark was he about whom Paul and Barnabas had contended, Act 15:39. Paul would not take him with him to the work, because he had once flinched and drawn back: but now, says he, Take Mark, and bring him with thee. By this it appears that Paul was now reconciled to Mark, and had a better opinion of him than he had had formerly. This teaches us to be of a forgiving spirit; we must not therefore disclaim for ever making use of those that are profitable and useful, though they may have done amiss. 3. Paul orders Timothy to come to him, bids him as he came through Troas to bring with him thence those things which he had left behind him there (Ti2 4:13), the cloak he had left there, which, it may be, Paul had the more occasion for in a cold prison. It is probable that it was the habit Paul usually wore, a plain dress. Some read it, the roll of parchment I left at Troas; others, the desk that I left. Paul was guided by divine inspiration, and yet he would have his books with him. Whereas he had exhorted Timothy to give attendance to reading, so he did himself, though he was now ready to be offered. As long as we live, we must be still learning. But especially the parchments, which some think were the originals of his epistles; others think they were the skins of which he made his tents, whereby he obtained a livelihood, working with his own hands. 4. He mentions Alexander, and the mischief that he had done him, Ti2 4:14, Ti2 4:15. This is he who is spoken of Act 19:33. It should seem, he had been a professor of the Christian religion, a forward professor, for he was there particularly maligned by the worshippers of Diana, and yet he did Paul much evil. Paul was in as much danger from false brethren (Co2 11:26) as from open enemies. Paul foretels that God would reckon with him. It is a prophetical denunciation of the just judgment of God that would befall him: The Lord will reward him according to his works. He cautions Timothy to take heed of him: "Of whom be thou aware also, that he do not, under pretence of friendship, betray thee to mischief." It is dangerous having any thing to do with those who would be enemies to such a man as Paul. Observe, (1.) Some who were once Paul's hearers and admirers did not give him reason to remember them with much pleasure; for one forsook him, and another did him much evil, and greatly withstood his words. Yet, (2.) At the same time he mentions some with pleasure; the badness of some did not make him forget the goodness of others; such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Luke. (3.) The apostle has left a brand on the names and memory of two persons; the one is Demas, who forsook him, having loved the present world, and the other is Alexander, who greatly withstood his words. (4.) God will reward evil-doers, particularly apostates, according to their works. (5.) Of such as are of Alexander's spirit and temper we should beware; for they will do us no good, but all the mischief that is in their power.
Historical interpretation
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I exhort you all, therefore, to yield obedience to the word of righteousness, and to exercise all patience, such as ye have seen [set] before your eyes, not only in the case of the blessed Ignatius, and Zosimus, and Rufus, but also in others among yourselves, and in Paul himself, and the rest of the apostles. [This do] in the assurance that all these have not run in vain, but in faith and righteousness, and that they are [now] in their due place in the presence of the Lord, with whom also they suffered. For they loved not this present world, but Him who died for us, and for our sakes was raised again by God from the dead.
As Luke was present at all these occurrences, he carefully noted them down in writing, so that he cannot be convicted of falsehood or boastfulness, because all these particulars proved both that he was senior to all those who now teach otherwise, and that he was not ignorant of the truth. That he was not merely a follower, but also a fellow-labourer of the apostles, but especially of Paul, Paul has himself declared also in the Epistles, saying: "Demas hath forsaken me, ... and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me." From this he shows that he was always attached to and inseparable from him.
Of the churches of Galatia, Crescens.
It is worth while to enquire why he calls Timothy to him, inasmuch as he was intrusted with a Church, and a whole nation. It was not from arrogance. For Paul was ready to come to him; for we find him saying, "But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God." (1 Tim. iii. 15.) But he was withholden by a strong necessity. He was no longer matter of his own movements. He was in prison, and had been confined by Nero, and was all but on the point of death. That this might not happen before he saw his disciple, he therefore sends for him, desiring to see him before he dies, and perhaps to deliver much in charge to him. Wherefore he says, "Hasten to come to me before the winter." "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world." He does not say, "That I may see thee before I depart this life," which would have grieved him, but "because I am alone," he says, "and have no one to help or support me." "For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed to Thessalonica"; that is, having loved his own ease and security from danger, he has chosen rather to live luxuriously at home, than to suffer hardships with me, and share my present danger. He has blamed him alone, not for the sake of blaming him, but to confirm us, that we may not be effeminate in declining toils and dangers, for this is, "having loved this present world." "Only Luke is with me." For he adhered to him inseparably. It was he who wrote the Gospel, and the General Acts; he was devoted to labors, and to learning, and a man of fortitude. "Take Mark, and bring him with thee, for he is profitable to me for the ministry." It is not for his own relief, but for the ministry of the Gospel that he wanted him. For though imprisoned, he did not cease to preach. "The cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments." The word here translated "cloak" may mean a garment, or, as some say, a bag, in which the books were contained. But what had he to do with books, who was about to depart and go to God? He needed them much, that he might deposit them in the hands of the faithful, who would retain them in place of his own teaching.
He calls “Galatia” what we now call Gaul; for so all of the older peoples called this place, as anyone can recognize from many sources, especially from the Jewish history written by Josephus. For those people who are now called Galatians are so designated in the old narratives that trace their movement from those regions to various places.
He does not find fault with them; for they were sent for preaching.
For Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present age, and has gone to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia; Titus to Dalmatia. Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry.
having loved this present age. Having become safe and secure, as he thought. For Demas preferred to indulge in luxury at home rather than suffer hardships with me. But Paul does not want to slander this man, rather to support us so that we do not become weak.
Crescens to Galatia. They had left of their own accord, therefore he does not say, "The rest." Moreover, Titus was among the distinguished to whom the bishopric of Crete had been entrusted.
Only Luke is with me. This Luke is the one who wrote the Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles. And since he was eager to learn, holy and committed, he was never separated from Paul.
Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me. Paul said, "Not for my comfort, but for the ministry of the Gospel." Indeed, Paul also called Timothy for this reason, so that after his death the brothers might be comforted.
for ministry. Of the Gospel, Paul says.
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Summary
In 2 Timothy 4:10, the Apostle Paul, writing from Roman imprisonment, laments the defection of Demas, who abandoned him due to a love for "this present world." This poignant verse highlights the profound challenges and personal sorrows of ministry, contrasting Demas's departure with the faithful movements of Crescens and Titus, who journeyed to Galatia and Dalmatia, respectively, presumably for continued gospel work. It serves as a sobering reminder of the spiritual dangers of worldliness and the enduring cost of discipleship, even for those who once walked closely with an apostle.
Context
Literary Context
This verse is situated within Paul's second epistle to Timothy, his final recorded letter, penned from a Roman prison cell shortly before his martyrdom. The entire chapter, 2 Timothy 4, is imbued with a sense of urgency and solemnity, as Paul gives his last instructions and exhortations to his beloved spiritual son. He speaks openly of his impending departure from life (2 Timothy 4:6), emphasizing the need for Timothy to remain steadfast in preaching the Word amidst widespread apostasy. Against this backdrop of a farewell charge and Paul's personal reflections on his ministry's end, the mention of Demas's defection underscores the loneliness and hardships Paul faced, even as he was surrounded by a few faithful companions like Luke (2 Timothy 4:11). Demas had previously been noted as a "fellow laborer" in Paul's earlier correspondence (Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24), making his abandonment particularly grievous and a stark illustration of the spiritual battle.
Historical & Cultural Context
Paul's imprisonment in Rome, likely under Emperor Nero, was a period of intense persecution for Christians. Ministry at this time involved significant personal risk, hardship, and often, social ostracization. Travel, though common, was arduous and dangerous, often undertaken for the purpose of spreading the gospel or strengthening churches. The concept of "forsaking" someone in the ancient world carried significant weight, implying a breach of loyalty or commitment, especially within a close-knit group like Paul's missionary team. The "present world" (Greek: aiōn) refers not merely to the physical earth, but to the prevailing cultural, social, and philosophical systems of the age, which were largely hostile to the values of the Kingdom of God. To love this world meant to prioritize its comforts, security, and approval over the sacrifices demanded by Christ's call. The mention of specific geographical locations—Thessalonica, Galatia, and Dalmatia—highlights the vast network of early Christian ministry and the extensive travels undertaken by Paul and his associates.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within 2 Timothy and the broader Pauline corpus. It starkly illustrates the danger of worldliness and apostasy, showing how even those who have served alongside apostles can succumb to the allure of temporal comforts over eternal commitment, echoing warnings found in 1 John 2:15-17. It also underscores the cost of discipleship, revealing that following Christ faithfully often entails personal sacrifice, hardship, and even abandonment by others, a theme central to Jesus's own teachings on taking up one's cross (Matthew 16:24). Furthermore, the verse highlights Paul's unwavering faithfulness amidst adversity, as he continues to focus on the mission despite personal sorrow and dwindling companions, exemplifying the perseverance he urges Timothy to embody (2 Timothy 4:2). The contrast between Demas's departure and the purposeful journeys of Crescens and Titus also speaks to the diverse responses to the demands of ministry and the ongoing, albeit challenging, spread of the gospel.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (G1459) means "to leave behind in some place," but more significantly, "to desert" in a negative sense. While it can mean to leave something behind (e.g., a garment), in this context, it carries the strong connotation of abandonment, implying a breach of loyalty and a turning away from a commitment. It suggests a deliberate act of desertion, leaving Paul in a vulnerable and lonely state, especially given his imprisonment.
The verb (G25) signifies a deep affection or preference, a love in a social or moral sense. This is not a casual liking but a profound attachment or devotion. For Demas, this deep affection was directed towards "this present world," indicating a fundamental shift in his allegiances and priorities away from the spiritual and towards the temporal.
This term (G165) primarily refers to an "age" or "perpetuity," but by implication, it signifies "the world" in a moral and temporal sense, often denoting the prevailing system or course of human affairs that is alienated from God. It's distinct from kosmos (the created order), focusing more on the temporal, transient nature of the current age and its values. Demas's love for this aiṓn means he preferred the passing pleasures, securities, or values of the current era over the eternal realities and demands of Christ's kingdom.
Verse Breakdown
"For Demas hath forsaken me"
This opening clause immediately establishes the reason ("For") for Paul's statement and introduces the central, regrettable action. Demas, a former companion and fellow worker, has actively abandoned Paul. The verb "forsaken" (G1459, enkataleípō) carries a strong sense of desertion, implying a deliberate act of leaving Paul in a time of need, likely due to the hardships associated with Paul's imprisonment and the dangers of Christian ministry.
"having loved this present world"
This phrase provides the crucial motivation behind Demas's defection. His abandonment was not due to a new ministry assignment or a misunderstanding, but because his affections had shifted. The phrase "loved this present world" (G25 agapáō + G3568 nŷn + G165 aiṓn) indicates a deep, preferential attachment to the values, comforts, and transient nature of the current age, rather than to the eternal kingdom of God and the rigors of following Christ. This "love" stands in direct opposition to the commitment required for faithful discipleship.
"and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia."
This final clause details the specific destinations of Demas and two other companions. Demas "departed unto Thessalonica," a significant city, but his departure is framed as a consequence of his worldly love, implying a retreat from ministry. In contrast, Crescens went "to Galatia" and Titus "unto Dalmatia." Unlike Demas, their movements are not attributed to a negative motivation but are generally understood as purposeful missionary assignments, indicating that while some abandon the cause, others remain committed to spreading the gospel, even if it means separation from Paul.
Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs Contrast and Juxtaposition. Paul starkly contrasts Demas's departure, motivated by a love for the world, with the movements of Crescens and Titus, which are implicitly understood as legitimate missionary assignments. This juxtaposition highlights the different motivations and outcomes of those associated with Paul's ministry. There is also an element of Pathos, as Paul's declaration "Demas hath forsaken me" conveys a deep sense of personal sorrow and loneliness, revealing the emotional toll of ministry and the pain of betrayal. The concise, almost matter-of-fact tone of the statement, despite its profound implications, adds to the sense of Paul's stoic endurance amidst hardship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
The defection of Demas serves as a powerful theological cautionary tale, illustrating the ever-present danger of worldliness and its capacity to derail even those who have been deeply involved in God's work. It underscores the biblical truth that true discipleship demands a radical reorientation of affections, where love for Christ and His kingdom supersedes any attachment to the transient pleasures, securities, or values of "this present world." This incident reminds believers that perseverance in faith is not automatic but requires ongoing vigilance, a cruciform lifestyle, and a conscious choice to prioritize eternal realities over temporal comforts. It also highlights the reality that even in the most significant spiritual endeavors, human frailty and the allure of sin can lead to abandonment, yet God's mission continues through those who remain faithful.
Reflection and Application
The account of Demas's defection is a profound call to introspection for every believer. It challenges us to honestly examine the true objects of our deepest affections and priorities. Are we, like Demas, subtly or overtly allowing the comforts, security, or approval of "this present world" to exert a stronger pull on our hearts than our commitment to Christ and His kingdom? This verse serves as a stark reminder that the spiritual journey is not merely about initial conversion but about ongoing perseverance and a willingness to endure hardship for the gospel's sake. For those in ministry, it offers a poignant validation of the personal costs and potential loneliness that can accompany faithful service, reminding us that even the Apostle Paul experienced the pain of abandonment. Ultimately, 2 Timothy 4:10 urges us to cultivate a steadfast, unwavering devotion to Christ, recognizing that true life is found not in clinging to the fleeting things of this age, but in pursuing the eternal purposes of God.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who was Demas and what happened to him?
Demas was a companion and "fellow laborer" of the Apostle Paul, mentioned positively in Paul's earlier letters (Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24). However, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul states that Demas "hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica." This indicates that Demas abandoned Paul, likely due to the increasing dangers and hardships of ministry under Roman persecution, choosing the comforts or securities of the world over continued faithful service.
What does "loved this present world" mean in this context?
The phrase "loved this present world" (Greek: agapáō + nŷn aiṓn) signifies a deep affection or preference for the values, systems, and transient comforts of the current age, which are often at odds with God's kingdom. It's not merely about material possessions, but a broader attachment to the prevailing societal norms, security, and ease that would make the rigors and dangers of Christian ministry unappealing. Demas's love for this "age" or "world" led him to prioritize temporal concerns over his spiritual commitment and partnership with Paul, illustrating a spiritual compromise that resulted in his departure from active ministry. This stands in contrast to the call to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
Were Crescens and Titus also abandoning Paul, or were their departures different from Demas's?
The departures of Crescens and Titus are presented differently from Demas's. While Demas's departure is explicitly linked to his "love for this present world" and framed as a "forsaking," the movements of Crescens to Galatia and Titus to Dalmatia are generally understood by scholars as legitimate missionary assignments. Paul's tone does not imply disapproval or abandonment on their part. In fact, Titus was a trusted associate whom Paul had sent on various missions, including to Crete (Titus 1:5) and Corinth (2 Corinthians 7:6). Their journeys likely represented the ongoing, dispersed nature of early Christian ministry, even as Paul faced imprisonment and impending martyrdom.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While 2 Timothy 4:10 highlights human frailty and the pain of abandonment, it powerfully underscores the unwavering faithfulness of Christ, who never forsakes His own. Demas's defection due to love for "this present world" stands in stark contrast to the Lord Jesus, who, though tempted in every way, never succumbed to the allure of the world's kingdoms or comforts (Matthew 4:8-10). Christ Himself warned His disciples that the world would hate them (John 15:18-19), but He also declared His ultimate victory over it (John 16:33). Unlike Demas, who prioritized temporal security, Jesus taught that true life is found in losing one's life for His sake (Matthew 16:25). This verse, therefore, implicitly points to Christ as the ultimate example of steadfastness and the secure anchor for believers. While human companions may falter, the Christian's ultimate hope rests in the promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), providing the strength to overcome the world's allure and persevere in faith.