2 Timothy 4:9-15
9 Be diligent to come to me quickly; 10 for Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica—Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, for he is useful to me for ministry. 12 And Tychicus I have sent to Ephesus. 13 Bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas when you come—and the books, especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much harm. May the Lord repay him according to his works. 15 You also must beware of him, for he has greatly resisted our words.
In the end, Paul was abandoned by his co-laborers. Demas went back to the world, living for his present desires and running from the good fight of faith for the gospel’s sake. We see this even now when some hear Jesus say that we should give all away and follow him; our riches or comfort, even the desire to avoid suffering for Christ’s name sake, these all cause many to forsake following the Lord. Others here left Paul for other destinations, but we don’t know if they were continuing to minister or not. It seems to imply that they followed the example of Demas, but that is not absolutely certain, just probable due to the way they are described in the same breath. Many do turn to the world when the heat of the day begins to burn and they wither back to the earth. Then we see the Mark who disputed with Paul before (Acts 15:39) was now a desirable laborer. Redemption from forgiveness can restore relationships and enable the higher work for the gospel to continue. Tychicus was sent where he was needed, and he went. Alexander was fighting against the gospel and was to be avoided for his attacks. Since Paul was aging and weary, he asked Timothy to bring his coat and study books, presumably the scriptures mainly, that he could continue to study to show himself approved to God and useful in ministry; we should never stop learning that we might use all God shows to teach the disciples we make.
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