2 Timothy 4:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: For Demas, in love with this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

NIV: for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.

NASB: for Demas, having loved this present world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica; Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

CSB: because Demas has deserted me, since he loved this present world, and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.

NLT: Demas has deserted me because he loves the things of this life and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus has gone to Dalmatia.

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

NKJV: for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia.

This verse offers one important reason that Paul wanted Timothy to visit him in Rome: most of his companions had left him. At this point in time, simply being a Christian in Rome was dangerous. Few people were willing to proclaim their faith, let alone go to a prison to associate with a targeted believer like Paul.

Three specific men are mentioned in this verse. First is Demas, who had served as part of Paul's ministry team during Paul's house arrest in Rome in AD 60—62 (Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24). This verse makes for a sad end to the Bible's description of the man. Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24 referred to Demas as one of Paul's Christian companions. Here, he is said to have loved this world more than his work as an evangelist. So, he left Paul and the other believers and went to Thessalonica.

Second, Paul refers to the name Crescens. This person is not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament and little is known about him. He was a believer who served Paul at some point during Paul's second Roman imprisonment and had later gone to Galatia. He may have been from Galatia originally. If so, he would have been one of the believers written to in Paul's letter to the Galatians. Whether he was a church leader there or not is uncertain. Unlike Demas, the reason he left is not mentioned. This leaves open the possibility that he left on better terms than Demas did.

Third, Titus had left for Dalmatia. Titus is most likely the same Christian leader addressed in Paul's letter bearing his name. The reason for his trip to Dalmatia is unknown, though likely for evangelistic purposes. Not all of the people who "left" Paul abandoned him.

Second Timothy 4:9–18 updates Timothy on Paul's ministry partners, as well as his antagonists. Some of Paul's friends have been sent out on missionary causes. Others, such as Demas, have turned their back on Paul and abandoned him. Only Luke, the author of the Gospel of Luke and the book of Acts, is still with him. Paul specifically warns Timothy about Alexander the coppersmith. Paul knows full well that he will not survive this trip through the Roman legal system. Rather than despair, he still rejoices in his salvation and praises God.

Paul summarizes his instructions to Timothy, through a practical application of his prior teachings. Timothy is "charged" by Paul to defend his faith, against all error and false teaching, at all times. Timothy will face resistance. Paul also openly admits that his life is nearly over, so Timothy will need to soldier on without him. After this, Paul gives some personal updates about his situation, giving Timothy a few instructions and advice about particular people. Paul makes a final appeal for Timothy to visit him, then closes his letter—as he will close his life—focused on the grace of God.

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.