2 Timothy 1:15 - Printer Friendly

ESV: You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

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

NASB: You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.

CSB: You know that all those in the province of Asia have deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.

NLT: As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me — even Phygelus and Hermogenes.

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

NKJV: This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Unfortunately, not all Christians remain faithful to the gospel, or to each other. In contrast to both Paul's and Timothy's faithfulness, Paul refers to certain believers in Asia Minor, which is modern-day Turkey. Much of Paul's missionary activity had taken place here, including the city of Ephesus, which is where Timothy was when Paul wrote this letter. During Nero's persecution of Christians following the fires of Rome in AD 64, many Christians sought to distance themselves from Paul after his arrest. This is a very normal, very human reaction: hoping to avoid a similar fate.

Paul specifically mentions two men who seem to have abandoned him. These are Phygelus and Hermogenes. It is uncertain whether these men left Paul in Rome or somewhere else, though Rome seems most likely. This suggestion is also strengthened by Paul's words later in this letter. In 2 Timothy 4:9–10, Paul mentions those who had left him in Rome. They included at least one deserter, as well as others Paul had sent to do ministry. At the time Paul wrote 2 Timothy, only Luke—the author of the books of Luke and Acts—was still with him (2 Timothy 4:11). Luke may have even been the man who wrote down Paul's letter for him, though this is uncertain.

Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted brothers and sisters. Timothy is encouraged to hold to accurate, healthy Christian teachings. Paul also refers to various ministry partners who have supported—or abandoned—him.

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy's path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy's background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter.

Chapter 1 establishes Timothy's spiritual background. Paul expresses gratitude for Timothy, by reminding him of his past, in order to set the stage for later teachings. Paul first expresses gratitude for Timothy's prior faithfulness, and reminds him of how God called him into ministry. From that point, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and to guard the truth of the gospel message. Later chapters will explain why Paul feels these traits are necessary, both for the sake of the world and for Timothy in general.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.