2 Timothy 4:10
Verse
Context
Sermons
Jim Cymbala
Bill McLeod
Hattie Hammond
K.P. Yohannan
Robert B. ThompsonPhil Beach Jr.Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Demas hath forsaken me - This is another proof of the posteriority of this epistle: for Demas was with the apostle in his first imprisonment, and joins in the salutations, see Col 4:14, which were written when Paul was a prisoner at Rome for the first time. Having loved this present world - Αγαπησας τον νυν αιωνα Having preferred Judaism to Christianity; or having loved the Jews, and having sought their welfare in preference to that of the Gentiles. The עולם הזה words olam hazzeh, which answer to the Greek τον νυν αιωνα, are generally to be understood as signifying, either the Jewish people, or the system of Judaism. It was now become doubly dangerous to be a Christian; and those who had not religion enough to enable them to burn, or in any other way to expose life for it, took refuge in that religion which was exposed to no persecution. This is a light in which the conduct of Demas may be viewed. It could not have been the love of secular gain which had induced Demas to abandon St. Paul; he must have counted this cost before he became a Christian. See below. Crescens to Galatia - Whether the departure of Crescens was similar to that of Demas, as intimated above, or whether he went on an evangelical embassy, we know not. Charity would hope the latter; for we can hardly suppose that Titus, who is here said to have departed to Dalmatia, had abandoned his Cretan Churches, his apostolical office, and especially his aged father and friend, now about to seal the truth with his blood! It is probable that both these persons had gone on sacred missions, and perhaps had been gone some time before the apostle was brought into such imminent danger. Even for Demas, as standing in this connection, something might be said. It is not intimated that he had denied the faith, but simply that he had left the apostle and gone into Thessalonica; for which this reason is given, that he loved the present world. Now, if αγαπησας, having loved, can be applied to a desire to save the souls of the Jews, and that he went into Thessalonica, where they abounded, for this very purpose, then we shall find all three - Demas, Crescens, and Titus, one at Thessalonica, another at Galatia, and the third at Dalmatia, doing the work of evangelists, visiting the Churches, and converting both Jews and Gentiles. This interpretation I leave to the charitable reader, and must own that, with all the presumptive evidences against it, it has some fair show of probability. Demas has received little justice from interpreters and preachers in general. It is even fashionable to hunt him down.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Demas--once a "fellow laborer" of Paul, along with Mark and Luke (Col 4:14; Plm 1:24). His motive for forsaking Paul seems to have been love of worldly ease, safety, and comforts at home, and disinclination to brave danger with Paul (Mat 13:20-22). CHRYSOSTOM implies that Thessalonica was his home. Galatia--One oldest manuscript supports the reading "Gaul." But most oldest manuscripts, &c., "Galatia." Titus--He must have therefore left Crete after "setting in order" the affairs of the churches there (Tit 1:5). Dalmatia--part of the Roman province of Illyricum on the coast of the Adriatic. Paul had written to him (Tit 3:12) to come to him in the winter to Nicopolis (in Epirus), intending in the spring to preach the Gospel in the adjoining province of Dalmatia. Titus seems to have gone thither to carry out the apostle's intention, the execution of which was interrupted by his arrest. Whether he went of his own accord, as is likely, or was sent by Paul, which the expression "is departed" hardly accords with, cannot be positively decided. Paul here speaks only of his personal attendants having forsaken him; he had still friends among the Roman Christians who visited him (Ti2 4:21), though they had been afraid to stand by him at his trial (Ti2 4:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Only Luke is with me,.... The beloved physician, who wrote the Gospel that bears his name, and "the Acts of the Apostles", and was a constant companion of Paul's in his travels and sufferings: take Mark, and bring him with thee; who might be at Ephesus, or somewhere in Timothy's way as he came to Rome. This seems to be the same with John Mark of Jerusalem, the son of Mary, the sister of Barnabas, and who was with Paul and Barnabas in their travels, and who parted from them at Pamphylia; on whose account, and for that reason, there was so great a difference between Paul and Barnabas, as to separate upon it; but now the apostle had entertained a better opinion of him, and was reconciled unto him, and was very desirous of his company and assistance; and which he had, Col 4:10. For he is profitable to me for the ministry; that is, of the Gospel, to assist in preaching it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 Demas: See Col 4:14; Phlm 1:24. • deserted: See also 2 Tim 4:16-17; cp. Ps 22:1; Mark 15:34. • Loving the things of this life contrasts with the anticipation of Christ’s glorious return (2 Tim 4:8). • Crescens is otherwise unknown; his and Titus’s absence seems to have heightened Paul’s isolation. • Titus was Paul’s effective and reliable co-worker. Perhaps he had gone to Dalmatia (northwest of modern-day Greece) on a mission for Paul.
2 Timothy 4:10
Personal Concerns
9Make every effort to come to me quickly,10because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia.11Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is useful to me in the ministry.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Do People Get You Down?
By Jim Cymbala2.6K43:38DiscouragementMAT 6:331CO 10:122CO 6:14PHP 2:12PHP 2:152TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of people turning away from their faith and the dangers of being influenced by the world. He uses the example of Demis, a trusted minister who abandoned Paul and the teachings of Christ. The preacher emphasizes the importance of staying focused on Jesus and not being distracted by the actions of others. He encourages the audience to be the true representatives of Christianity through their attitudes and interactions with others. The sermon concludes with a reminder that each individual is responsible for their own salvation and should not be swayed by the actions of others.
Take Heed to Yourselves
By Bill McLeod1.5K54:58Sober MindedMAT 6:33ACT 6:4ROM 15:4COL 4:171TH 5:211TI 4:162TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of personal preparation before delivering a message. He shares that he spends two hours preparing for a sermon, with the majority of that time dedicated to prayer and preparing his heart. The preacher believes that the effectiveness of a message is determined by the person delivering it, as it is an extension of their character. He warns against becoming like Demos, who abandoned his ministry due to his love for the world. The preacher encourages listeners to take heed of the ministry they have received and fulfill it faithfully.
Many Voices in the World
By Hattie Hammond7132:04:11WorldMAT 6:33LUK 2:49ROM 12:112TI 4:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the voice of the world and how it tries to appeal to us through various legitimate things in our lives. The voice of the world is cleverly directed by the enemy, who is the antagonist of God. The preacher mentions four forms or patterns in which the voice of the world may manifest itself. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the sin question, the limitations of our flesh, and our dependence on the Holy Spirit in order to navigate through the period of predation and receive illumination.
Security and God's Purposes
By K.P. Yohannan66620:58SecurityPSA 23:4MAT 6:33EPH 6:121TI 6:102TI 4:101PE 2:19In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding security in the Lord Jesus Christ. He highlights the need to recognize that our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the unseen world of satanic forces and demons. The speaker encourages total surrender to the Lord and trusting Him with our future, despite the confusion and imaginations created by the devil. He also reminds listeners that bad things may happen to good people, but it is part of God's plan for our good. Finally, the speaker warns against being lured away from following the Lord by convenient and pleasant offers, using examples from the Bible to illustrate this point.
Making a Real Soldier
By Robert B. Thompson5901:18:00EXO 4:2ISA 2:20MAT 24:442TI 4:10REV 19:11In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of fully committing oneself to serving God. He shares a personal experience of realizing that the people in the church were not ready to be part of God's army. The speaker encourages listeners to make a conscious decision to no longer be of this world and to belong to Jesus. He highlights the difference between being a church member and being a disciple, stating that disciples are focused on growing in their relationship with Christ and serving Him, rather than pursuing worldly success.
The House of God Lies in Ruin - Gods Recovery Plan Part 2
By Phil Beach Jr.3351:34Spiritual AwakeningThe Cost of DiscipleshipRecoveryPSA 139:23ISA 65:9MAT 11:28JHN 14:1ROM 6:6GAL 2:20COL 4:142TI 4:10JAS 4:41JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the urgent need for spiritual awakening in the church, highlighting that the house of God lies in ruin due to complacency and a desire for popularity. He draws attention to the biblical figure Demas, who forsook Paul and the ministry for worldly allure, warning that such desires can lead to spiritual destruction. The preacher calls for a heartfelt prayer for God to open our eyes to the truth and to remove the desire for popularity, urging believers to embrace the cross and the valley of Achor as a place of death to self and sin. He stresses that true freedom and healing come from a deep relationship with Christ, not from seeking worldly approval. Ultimately, Beach Jr. invites the congregation to seek God's mercy and grace to restore the church and their personal walks with Him.
The Agony of Gethsemane
By Phil Beach Jr.3254:28Spiritual StruggleGethsemaneMAT 26:31LUK 22:42JHN 15:5ROM 12:12CO 4:16PHP 2:5COL 4:142TI 4:10HEB 12:11JN 2:15Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the significance of Gethsemane as a place of spiritual struggle and transformation, urging believers to confront their inner battles rather than escape them. He draws parallels between the story of Demas, who forsook Paul for worldly desires, and the disciples' failure to stay awake and support Jesus in His hour of need. The sermon highlights the necessity of prayer and surrender to God's will during times of pressure, illustrating that true strength comes from relying on Christ rather than our own abilities. Beach encourages the congregation to embrace the 'oil press' of Gethsemane, where the soul is crushed to yield spiritual fruit, and to resist the temptation to seek comfort in worldly distractions.
Letter 106
By James Bourne0EXO 32:26HOS 13:7JHN 14:6ROM 9:161CO 10:13COL 3:22TI 4:10James Bourne addresses a dear friend who is struggling to speak or write about spiritual matters, advising her to give up these difficulties and immerse herself in worldly pursuits like David did when he fled to the land of the Philistines. Bourne emphasizes the importance of manifesting spiritual life during trying circumstances, encouraging the friend to cry out to God for help and guidance. He warns against being indifferent and careless about spiritual matters, urging her to seek the Lord's mercy and remember that Christ is the only way of escape for sinners.
The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven
By Lewis Sperry Chafer0DAN 2:37DAN 9:24MAT 13:18LUK 21:24ROM 11:25ROM 12:2GAL 1:4EPH 1:232TH 2:82TI 4:10Lewis Sperry Chafer delves into the prophetic visions given to Daniel, outlining the course of the Gentile period from the last captivity to the second coming of Christ. Daniel's dreams and interpretations reveal the succession of Gentile world powers - Babylonia, Medo-Persia, Greece, and Rome. The seventy weeks of years mentioned by Daniel are divided into two distinct periods, one before the rejection of Christ and the other after. The church age, a mystery age, is not accounted for in the prophetic visions, and the final period of seven years, the great tribulation, is yet to come before the establishment of Messiah's kingdom.
Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up?
By Peter Hammond0HOS 6:4MAT 10:21MAT 19:22MAT 24:10MAT 26:56MRK 14:10LUK 9:57LUK 10:2JHN 6:661TI 1:31TI 3:71TI 6:32TI 1:152TI 3:52TI 3:82TI 4:102TI 4:14HEB 10:38REV 2:4Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the examples of those who forsook Christ, deserted Paul, and the warnings against disloyalty and betrayal in the Bible. The sermon stresses the importance of deep roots in God's Word, character building through affliction, and the dedication required for Christian service despite hardships and opposition.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Demas hath forsaken me - This is another proof of the posteriority of this epistle: for Demas was with the apostle in his first imprisonment, and joins in the salutations, see Col 4:14, which were written when Paul was a prisoner at Rome for the first time. Having loved this present world - Αγαπησας τον νυν αιωνα Having preferred Judaism to Christianity; or having loved the Jews, and having sought their welfare in preference to that of the Gentiles. The עולם הזה words olam hazzeh, which answer to the Greek τον νυν αιωνα, are generally to be understood as signifying, either the Jewish people, or the system of Judaism. It was now become doubly dangerous to be a Christian; and those who had not religion enough to enable them to burn, or in any other way to expose life for it, took refuge in that religion which was exposed to no persecution. This is a light in which the conduct of Demas may be viewed. It could not have been the love of secular gain which had induced Demas to abandon St. Paul; he must have counted this cost before he became a Christian. See below. Crescens to Galatia - Whether the departure of Crescens was similar to that of Demas, as intimated above, or whether he went on an evangelical embassy, we know not. Charity would hope the latter; for we can hardly suppose that Titus, who is here said to have departed to Dalmatia, had abandoned his Cretan Churches, his apostolical office, and especially his aged father and friend, now about to seal the truth with his blood! It is probable that both these persons had gone on sacred missions, and perhaps had been gone some time before the apostle was brought into such imminent danger. Even for Demas, as standing in this connection, something might be said. It is not intimated that he had denied the faith, but simply that he had left the apostle and gone into Thessalonica; for which this reason is given, that he loved the present world. Now, if αγαπησας, having loved, can be applied to a desire to save the souls of the Jews, and that he went into Thessalonica, where they abounded, for this very purpose, then we shall find all three - Demas, Crescens, and Titus, one at Thessalonica, another at Galatia, and the third at Dalmatia, doing the work of evangelists, visiting the Churches, and converting both Jews and Gentiles. This interpretation I leave to the charitable reader, and must own that, with all the presumptive evidences against it, it has some fair show of probability. Demas has received little justice from interpreters and preachers in general. It is even fashionable to hunt him down.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
Demas--once a "fellow laborer" of Paul, along with Mark and Luke (Col 4:14; Plm 1:24). His motive for forsaking Paul seems to have been love of worldly ease, safety, and comforts at home, and disinclination to brave danger with Paul (Mat 13:20-22). CHRYSOSTOM implies that Thessalonica was his home. Galatia--One oldest manuscript supports the reading "Gaul." But most oldest manuscripts, &c., "Galatia." Titus--He must have therefore left Crete after "setting in order" the affairs of the churches there (Tit 1:5). Dalmatia--part of the Roman province of Illyricum on the coast of the Adriatic. Paul had written to him (Tit 3:12) to come to him in the winter to Nicopolis (in Epirus), intending in the spring to preach the Gospel in the adjoining province of Dalmatia. Titus seems to have gone thither to carry out the apostle's intention, the execution of which was interrupted by his arrest. Whether he went of his own accord, as is likely, or was sent by Paul, which the expression "is departed" hardly accords with, cannot be positively decided. Paul here speaks only of his personal attendants having forsaken him; he had still friends among the Roman Christians who visited him (Ti2 4:21), though they had been afraid to stand by him at his trial (Ti2 4:16).
John Gill Bible Commentary
Only Luke is with me,.... The beloved physician, who wrote the Gospel that bears his name, and "the Acts of the Apostles", and was a constant companion of Paul's in his travels and sufferings: take Mark, and bring him with thee; who might be at Ephesus, or somewhere in Timothy's way as he came to Rome. This seems to be the same with John Mark of Jerusalem, the son of Mary, the sister of Barnabas, and who was with Paul and Barnabas in their travels, and who parted from them at Pamphylia; on whose account, and for that reason, there was so great a difference between Paul and Barnabas, as to separate upon it; but now the apostle had entertained a better opinion of him, and was reconciled unto him, and was very desirous of his company and assistance; and which he had, Col 4:10. For he is profitable to me for the ministry; that is, of the Gospel, to assist in preaching it.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
4:10 Demas: See Col 4:14; Phlm 1:24. • deserted: See also 2 Tim 4:16-17; cp. Ps 22:1; Mark 15:34. • Loving the things of this life contrasts with the anticipation of Christ’s glorious return (2 Tim 4:8). • Crescens is otherwise unknown; his and Titus’s absence seems to have heightened Paul’s isolation. • Titus was Paul’s effective and reliable co-worker. Perhaps he had gone to Dalmatia (northwest of modern-day Greece) on a mission for Paul.