2 Timothy 1:15
What does 2 Timothy 1:15 mean?
A plain-English look at 2 Timothy 1:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 2 Timothy 1:15 means
Paul notes that “all that are in Asia” have turned away from him, naming Phygelus and Hermogenes as examples. “Asia” refers to the Roman province where Ephesus was located. The phrase likely means many, perhaps most, deserted him in his imprisonment, not necessarily every individual believer. This admission shows the cost of identifying with a suffering apostle and the gospel he proclaims. It also warns Timothy that faithfulness may be lonely. The naming of deserters is sober, not vindictive; it underscores the reality that fear and shame can lead even professing Christians to distance themselves from faithful servants of Christ when pressures mount.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
KJV
King James Version · 1611This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949You have had news that all those in Asia went away from me; among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862thou hast known this, that they did turn from me--all those in Asia, of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Thou knowest this, that all they who are in Asia are turned away from me: of whom are Phigellus and Hermogenes.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Thou knowest this, that all who [are] in Asia, of whom is Phygellus and Hermogenes, have turned away from me.
Context
This verse provides a stark contrast to the previous call to guard the truth through the Spirit (verse 14). It sets the scene for the positive example of Onesiphorus in verses 16–18. By reporting widespread desertion, Paul both prepares Timothy for possible isolation and heightens the significance of steadfast loyalty. The mention of specific names grounds the warning in real history. The flow of the chapter juxtaposes Timothy’s charge with the failures of some and the faithfulness of another, sharpening the appeal to courageous endurance.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 16:19
The churches of Asia salute you. Aquila and Prisca salute you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house.
- Philippians 2:21
For they all seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ.
- Acts 19:31
And certain also of the Asiarchs, being his friends, sent unto him and besought him not to adventure himself into the theatre.
- Acts 19:27
and not only is there danger that this our trade come into disrepute; but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana be made of no account, and that she should even be deposed from her magnificence whom all Asia and the world worshippeth.
- Acts 20:16
For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus, that he might not have to spend time in Asia; for he was hastening, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
- 2 Timothy 4:10
for Demas forsook me, having loved this present world, and went to Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia.
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