9 Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me: 10 For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark, and bring him with thee: for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And Tychicus have I sent to Ephesus. 13 The cloke that I left at Troas with Carpus, when thou comest, bring with thee, and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil: the Lord reward him according to his works: 15 Of whom be thou ware also; for he hath greatly withstood our words. (2 Timothy 4:9-15 KJV)
The Abandoned Apostle
Paul concludes this epistle with several personal instructions to Timothy. He urges him to come soon, saying, “Do your best to come to me quickly” (2 Timothy 4:9). Timothy was an evangelist who moved about to strengthen churches founded by the apostles. Paul desired his company and help, explaining that several of his companions had left him. One, Demas, deserted him “because he loved this present world” (2 Timothy 4:10).
Demas likely abandoned Paul out of fear of suffering—since Paul was imprisoned—or because he became entangled in worldly affairs. His love for Christ and the gospel had grown cold, replaced by love for the world. Love for this present world often leads people to abandon the truth and ways of Christ. Demas went to Thessalonica, perhaps for business or personal reasons. Crescens had gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia, leaving only Luke with Paul (2 Timothy 4:11-12). Yet Paul still longed for Timothy’s company, showing how deeply he valued the fellowship of faithful friends.
He also spoke kindly of Mark, saying, “He is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). This was the same Mark over whom Paul and Barnabas had once disagreed (Acts 15:39). Paul had previously refused to take Mark because he had once turned back from the work, but now he told Timothy, “Bring Mark with you.” This shows Paul had forgiven him and recognized his usefulness again. We learn from this the importance of having a forgiving spirit. Those who have failed before can be restored and made profitable in God’s service.
Paul asked Timothy to bring some personal belongings from Troas—the cloak he left there, and his books, “especially the parchments” (2 Timothy 4:13). Perhaps Paul needed the cloak for warmth in prison. Some think the parchments were copies of his letters or important writings; others believe they were the materials he used for his tentmaking trade. Although guided by divine inspiration, Paul still valued reading and study. Just as he had urged Timothy to “give attention to reading” (1 Timothy 4:13), he continued to learn even as he prepared for martyrdom. Christians should always remain learners while life lasts.
Paul also warned Timothy about Alexander, who had done him great harm (2 Timothy 4:14-15). This was likely the same Alexander mentioned in Acts 19:33. He may have once professed faith in Christ but later turned against Paul, becoming one of his strongest adversaries. Paul declared, “The Lord will repay him according to his deeds,” a solemn expression of God’s just judgment. He then cautioned Timothy, “You also must be on your guard against him, for he strongly opposed our message.” Such people often pretend friendship while plotting harm. It is wise to be cautious with those of treacherous intent, especially toward faithful servants of Christ.
Paul’s closing words reveal several important lessons. Some who once seemed devoted disappointed him—Demas forsook him, and Alexander opposed him—but he still remembered others, such as Timothy, Titus, Mark, and Luke, with gratitude. The failure of some should never make us forget the faithfulness of others. The apostle left a lasting warning attached to two names: Demas, who loved the world and deserted him, and Alexander, who resisted his preaching. God will repay all evildoers, especially those who abandon the faith or oppose the gospel, according to their deeds (Romans 2:6). Believers should beware of those with Alexander’s spirit, for they bring harm rather than help to the work of God.