2 Timothy 1 15

2 Timothy 1:15 kjv

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

2 Timothy 1:15 nkjv

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

2 Timothy 1:15 niv

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

2 Timothy 1:15 esv

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

2 Timothy 1:15 nlt

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

2 Timothy 1 verses

2 Timothy 1 15 Meaning

This verse conveys the deep disappointment and sorrow of the Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, due to the widespread desertion by Christians from the Roman province of Asia. It signifies not merely a physical absence, but a profound abandonment, either by failing to support him in his suffering or, more gravely, by turning away from the apostolic teaching due to fear or false doctrine. The explicit mention of Phygelus and Hermogenes underscores the personal nature of this betrayal, highlighting individuals known to Timothy who were part of this disloyal contingent.

2 Timothy 1 15 Context

The verse 2 Timothy 1:15 is situated in Paul's deeply personal and urgent letter to his spiritual son, Timothy, during Paul's final, severe imprisonment in Rome. The chapter opens with Paul’s heartfelt longing for Timothy and an encouragement to "fan into flame" his spiritual gift (v. 6), emphasizing courage and steadfastness in the face of suffering for the Gospel (vv. 7-12). Paul reminds Timothy of the "pattern of sound words" (v. 13) and the "good deposit" (v. 14) that he must guard. Verse 15 directly contrasts with the call to faithfulness and endurance, highlighting the bitter reality that Paul himself faces: abandonment by those he expected to support him. This experience reinforces Paul's subsequent plea to Timothy not to be ashamed and to remain loyal. The immediate following verse (16) introduces Onesiphorus as a refreshing contrast, providing comfort to Paul and exemplifying true loyalty, further underscoring the deep disappointment expressed in verse 15. Historically, this desertion likely occurred during Paul's legal trials in Rome, where providing support or testifying for an accused Christian could lead to serious consequences, including persecution, economic loss, or even death. The mention of "Asia" is significant, as it was a region of extensive and fruitful ministry for Paul, making the defection particularly disheartening.

2 Timothy 1 15 Word analysis

• You know (Greek: Oidas - οἶδας): From eido, meaning "to see," but also "to know" by direct perception or understanding. This implies Timothy's full awareness of the situation, perhaps having heard news, personally experienced it, or shared in Paul's suffering over this defection. It suggests a shared burden and confidential knowledge between them.
• that all those in Asia (Greek: Pantes hoi en tē Asią - πάντες οἱ ἐν τῇ Ἀσίᾳ):
  • all (pantes): While pantes literally means "all," in common biblical and ancient usage, it often functions as hyperbole, signifying "very many" or "the vast majority," rather than absolutely every single person. Given Paul's extensive contacts, it's unlikely every Christian abandoned him, but it clearly indicates a pervasive, discouraging trend.
  • in Asia (en tē Asią): Refers to the Roman province of Asia, which encompassed the western part of modern-day Turkey, with Ephesus as its capital. This region was a major hub of early Christianity due to Paul's impactful missionary efforts there. The desertion from such a significant area deeply affected Paul.
• have deserted me (Greek: Apestraphēsan me - ἀπεστράφησάν με): From apostrephō, meaning "to turn away from," "to turn one's back on," "to reject," or "to abandon." This is a strong verb indicating a deliberate, conscious act of turning away, rather than accidental absence or simple lack of help. It implies a sense of disloyalty and active withdrawal of support, potentially due to fear of persecution, disillusionment, or succumbing to false teaching that opposed Paul.
• including (Greek: Hōn estin - ὧν ἐστιν): Literally, "of whom is" or "among whom are." This phrasing introduces specific examples from the larger group that deserted Paul.
• Phygelus and Hermogenes (Greek: Phygelos kai Hermogenēs - Φύγελος καὶ Ἑρμογένης): These are specific names of individuals, not mentioned elsewhere in the New Testament. Their individual naming indicates they were prominent in this desertion or their actions were particularly noticeable and painful to Paul and likely known to Timothy. Their identities remain unknown beyond this verse, but their mention underscores the personal grief experienced by Paul from trusted associates.

Words-Group Analysis

• "all those in Asia have deserted me": This phrase highlights the scope and depth of the problem. It speaks to a communal abandonment within a specific geographical and influential Christian region, demonstrating the severe pressure believers faced, which led many to falter in their commitment to Paul and possibly the Gospel itself. This indicates that opposition and spiritual decline were not just external but also originated within the Christian community.
• "deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes": The juxtaposition of the general desertion with specific names intensifies the personal blow Paul suffered. It's not just a statistic of decline, but a relational wound from individuals Paul likely knew, mentored, or served alongside. This level of detail offers Timothy concrete examples of disloyalty that stand in stark contrast to the steadfastness Paul urges him to embody. It also suggests that fear of persecution might have led even well-known believers to withdraw support from an imprisoned apostle.

2 Timothy 1 15 Bonus section

This verse stands as a stark reminder of the testing that comes with faith, especially during persecution or tribulation. It shows that even vibrant Christian communities can be susceptible to widespread turning away from committed leaders or even from the implications of the Gospel itself. The specific naming of individuals like Phygelus and Hermogenes is not primarily to shame them, but likely to help Timothy discern reliable associates from those who falter, teaching him the critical importance of spiritual steadfastness and discernment. It also indirectly elevates the faithful endurance of those who remained loyal, setting the stage for Paul's commendation of Onesiphorus in the following verses. This human frailty contrasts sharply with the divine faithfulness, subtly emphasizing that ultimately, reliance must be on God alone, who never deserts His own (Heb 13:5).

2 Timothy 1 15 Commentary

This verse is a poignant lament from Paul, revealing his profound personal suffering beyond physical chains: the anguish of being abandoned by fellow believers. The desertion, particularly from the strategically important Roman province of Asia where Paul had ministered extensively, was not just about practical support during his imprisonment, but indicated a deeper spiritual defection, perhaps from fear of persecution or succumbing to divergent teachings. The named individuals, Phygelus and Hermogenes, personalize this painful betrayal, underscoring that even prominent members within the church can falter under pressure. This raw vulnerability from Paul serves not as an expression of self-pity, but as a backdrop for his charge to Timothy. It emphasizes the harsh realities of ministry, the cost of discipleship, and the constant threat of apostasy or compromise, especially when facing external pressures. By sharing this, Paul encourages Timothy to persevere where others failed, demonstrating unwavering loyalty to Christ and His Apostle, guarding the true gospel message without shame.