For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Paul explains his loneliness. "Demas hath forsaken me" (Dēmas gar me enkatelipen, Δημᾶς γάρ με ἐγκατέλιπεν). Enkatalepō (ἐγκαταλείπω) means abandon, desert, leave behind—same word Christ quotes from Psalm 22:1 on the cross ("Why have you forsaken me?"). Demas, previously Paul's coworker (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 24), has abandoned him.
The reason: "having loved this present world" (agapēsas ton nyn aiōna, ἀγαπήσας τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα). Agapaō (ἀγαπάω) means love deeply—Demas loved the world more than Christ. Nyn aiōna (νῦν αἰῶνα, "present age") refers to this temporary, fallen world system with its pleasures, comforts, and approval. When following Paul meant persecution and death, Demas chose worldly safety over faithful suffering. This is apostasy—not doctrinal error but practical abandonment when Christianity becomes costly.
Paul mentions others who left but without Demas's condemnation: "Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." These apparently left on legitimate ministry assignments, not desertion. The contrast matters: not every departure is abandonment. Crescens and Titus served elsewhere; Demas fled persecution. Paul's pain is evident—trusted coworker became deserter. Yet there's no bitterness, just sober assessment and warning. Demas stands as cautionary example throughout church history: those who love this world more than Christ will abandon ship when storms come.
Historical Context
Demas appears in three letters: helpful coworker in Colossians and Philemon, deserter in 2 Timothy. What changed? Persecution intensified. When Christianity meant social acceptance and minimal cost, Demas participated. When it meant imprisonment and execution, he fled. History repeats: nominal Christians abandon faith under persecution. Only those truly born again endure (1 John 2:19). Thessalonica, Demas's destination, was safer than Rome—farther from persecution's center. His story warns against loving this age's comfort, approval, and pleasure more than Christ and eternity.
Questions for Reflection
What aspects of 'this present world'—comfort, security, approval, pleasure, success—tempt you toward compromise or desertion when following Christ becomes costly?
How can you guard against Demas-like desertion by cultivating deeper love for Christ and eternal realities than temporal pleasures?
When facing pressure to abandon biblical convictions or distance yourself from suffering believers, will you remain faithful or follow Demas's path?
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Analysis & Commentary
For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. Paul explains his loneliness. "Demas hath forsaken me" (Dēmas gar me enkatelipen, Δημᾶς γάρ με ἐγκατέλιπεν). Enkatalepō (ἐγκαταλείπω) means abandon, desert, leave behind—same word Christ quotes from Psalm 22:1 on the cross ("Why have you forsaken me?"). Demas, previously Paul's coworker (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 24), has abandoned him.
The reason: "having loved this present world" (agapēsas ton nyn aiōna, ἀγαπήσας τὸν νῦν αἰῶνα). Agapaō (ἀγαπάω) means love deeply—Demas loved the world more than Christ. Nyn aiōna (νῦν αἰῶνα, "present age") refers to this temporary, fallen world system with its pleasures, comforts, and approval. When following Paul meant persecution and death, Demas chose worldly safety over faithful suffering. This is apostasy—not doctrinal error but practical abandonment when Christianity becomes costly.
Paul mentions others who left but without Demas's condemnation: "Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia." These apparently left on legitimate ministry assignments, not desertion. The contrast matters: not every departure is abandonment. Crescens and Titus served elsewhere; Demas fled persecution. Paul's pain is evident—trusted coworker became deserter. Yet there's no bitterness, just sober assessment and warning. Demas stands as cautionary example throughout church history: those who love this world more than Christ will abandon ship when storms come.