MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO COME TO ME SOON: Spoudason (2SAMM) elthein (AAN) pros me tacheos: (21; 1:4)

Do your best to come to me before long (BBE)

Make every effort (4704) (spoudazo from spoude = earnestness, diligence) means to do something hurriedly, with the implication of associated energy and readiness to expend that energy. Spoudazo speaks primarily of an attitude which is associated with or which leads to action. To hasten to. To hurry to. To do quickly. To use speed, make effort, be prompt, be earnest. To manifest zealous persistence to accomplish an objective.

Hurry and get here (Timothy)!

Earnestly endeavour (Timothy).

Like a commanding general to his junior officers, Paul gives this command (aorist imperative), which conveys a sense of urgency. Do this now! Don't delay! Why? From the context we know that Paul is about to die and that he is writing presumably from a cold, dark, dank dungeon in Rome, so that is natural that he would long for the presence of his beloved son (see note ), his true child in the faith (1Ti1:2). The immediate reason for Paul's desire to see Timothy is most clearly explained by the preposition for in the next verse.

It is worth noting that while Paul did not depend on others to meet his needs (see notes on Phil 4:11-13), he did DESIRE the companionship and encouragement of other like-minded believers. Timothy especially would be a tremendous source of refreshment to his wearied soul during the last days of his earthly life.

If you've ever been deserted by someone you considered faithful, you know how Paul must have been feeling.

Napoleon Bonaparte was a man who sought greatness, but ended his life imprisoned because the peace of the world demanded it. In prison he had the remembrance of homes and cities that he had wrecked in pursuit of world conquest. His efforts shed rivers of blood. As he came to the end of his life, the saddest comment ever recorded were his words

I wonder if there is anyone in the world who really loves me?

A man is truly fortunate in this life if he has a few friends on whom he can utterly rely. In our day and age this is a rare thing. We are all so rushed, rushing to work and back to family. Our plates are "full", and we often have no time to seek after and cultivate true friendship as we should. But Paul was blessed, for he had men like his beloved son Timothy, his kindred spirit (see note Philippians 2:20), his "equal soul" and "like mind", one who was activated by the same motives as he was and who was of proven worth having served with Paul in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father. (see note Philippians 2:22) And so Paul desired to see this precious brother during his last hours on this earth.

Wuest has a helpful note writing that...

"He fell in love with this present world " (GWT),

"for Demas let me down, having set a high value upon this present age and thus has come to love it." (Wuest).

In these last verses, Paul singles out the names of various faithful and unfaithful men. We can always learn from the examples of others, either what to emulate or what to avoid.

Demas is mentioned only three times in the New Testament...
 

Demas goes from "fellow worker" to simply "Demas" to lover of "this present world"! The first two mentions were during Paul's first imprisonment and the last here in Timothy during his second imprisonment in Rome.

The lure of the world became irresistible to Demas, and he abandoned both Paul and the ministry. We see here the basic principle taught by our Lord Jesus during His earthly ministry that

"No one (absolutely no one) can serve (present tense = as a lifestyle) two masters (kurios = absolute ownership and control); for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will hold to one and despise the other. You cannot (as a lifestyle or continually) serve God and mammon (wealth, possessions)." (Mt 6:24)

Jesus had His Judas, and Paul had his Demas. Anyone who has been in the ministry long enough has shared in that heartbreaking experience.  Isn't it interesting and somewhat comforting to note that even the two greatest leaders the world has ever known had those who failed them. In a similar manner, anyone who has been a Christian long enough has known the heartache and sense of loss when some mentor or leader who for whatever reason chooses to abandon the faith and fall in love with the world.

Every saint, be he pastor or pew member, needs to remember this passage, so he is aware of the potential for those who, while ostensibly steadfast and faithful, choose to forsake in the hour of need. If this has happened to you, beloved, remember that Jesus is able to sympathize, for in His hour of greatest need His disciples all left Him and fled. (Mark 14:50)  and

"since He Himself was tempted (and tested) in that which He has suffered, He is (continually ready and) able to come to the aid (upon hearing the cry for help) of those who are (continually being) tempted (and tested)." (Heb 2:18)

Loved (25) (agapao elated to noun agape - see word study) speaks of a love not from affection but based on a decision of the will rather than the emotions. This verb pictures an unconditional, sacrificial type of love. Here the object of Demas' agapao love is this present world which elsewhere Paul describes as this present evil age (aion) (Gal 1:4)is love by husbands demands the death to self.

Matthew Henry wrote that

The love of this world, is often the cause of turning back from the truths and ways of Jesus Christ.

Present (3568) (nun) marks a definite point or period of time, the (objective) immediate present in antithesis to something future. Demas chose to live for the present not the future. What "time" are you living for dear reader? It makes an eternal difference!

World (165) (aion) (Click in depth word study of aion) has both a time and an ethical connotation.

Present World  is better rendered this now age, and refers to the present sinful age, the world system or the invisible spiritual system of evil dominated by Satan “the god of this world" (2Cor 4:4), and in opposition to God, His Word, and His people. It is a seductive system that appeals to all people, believers as well as unbelievers, and calls for our affection, participation, and loyalty. Satan controls this system, and believers should shun it. Demas did not.

World in context represents the sum of the demonic-human philosophy of life and corresponds to the spirit of the age. It represents the popular culture and manner of thinking that is in rebellion against God and which will try to conform us to its ungodly pattern, and that process must be resisted. Demas could not resist the attraction of the age in which he lived.

Trench has written that aion is

that floating mass of thoughts, opinions, maxims, speculations, hopes, impulses, aims, aspirations, at any time current in the world, which it may be impossible to seize and accurately define, but which constitute a most real and effective power, being the moral, or immoral atmosphere which at every moment of our lives we inhale, again inevitably to exhale. (Trench, R. C. Synonyms of the New Testament. Hendrickson Publishers. 2000)

Barton sees a principle and an application in Demas' choice, writing that...

There are two ways to love the world. God loves the world as he created it and as it could be if it were rescued from evil. Others, like Demas, love the world as it is, sin and all. Do you love the world as it could be if God’s justice ruled, the hungry were fed, and people loved one another? Or do you love what the world has to offer—wealth, power, pleasure—even if gaining it means hurting people and neglecting the work God has given you to do?" (Bolding added) (Barton, B. B., et al. Life Application Bible Commentary. Romans: Tyndale House Publishers or Logos)

HAS DESERTED ME AND GONE TO THESSALONICA: me egkatelipen (3SAAI)...kai eporeuthe (3SAPI) eis Thessaloniken: (2Ti 4:16 1:15 Mt 26:56; Acts 13:13; 15:38; 2Pe 2:15)

has abandoned me" (GWT), "let me down (Wuest)

Deserted (1459) (egkataleipo from en = in + kataleípo = forsake, desert <> kata = intensifies or strengthens the next word + leipo = leave behind) abandon, desert, or leave in straits. It speaks of forsaking someone in a state of defeat or helplessness, even in midst of hostile circumstances.

Demas left Paul in the lurch, utterly forsaking him, letting him down. It was a disappointment but it also must have broken Paul's heart.

The ultimate fate of Demas is argued by the commentaries, some considering his action as the manifestation of an individual who was not a true believer, while others feel that he was a believer who for whatever reason fell in love with the world. Demas ostensibly seems to began well but ultimately shipwrecked upon the shores of worldly affections! Beware of these dangerous reefs!

Although I will not make a dogmatic statement as to Demas' eternal fate (for God alone knows for certain), it is interesting to study the teaching in several parallel passages.

Paul testified that through the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ

the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. (Gal 6:14)

John taught that

“If anyone loves (agapao = present tense = as a lifestyle) the world, the love of the Father is not (ou = indicates absolute negation) in him” (1Jn 2:15).

Demas' focus on which he bestowed his agapao love (this present world) is in stark contrast to what Paul had just stated regarding

the righteous Judge, (Who) will award to me (the crown of righteousness) on that day and not only to me, but also to all who have loved (agapao - perfect tense = began to love at point in the past, surely when they were born again, and continue to love) His appearing." (2Ti 4:8)

Paul's heart was captivated by Christ and His coming kingdom, while Demas allowed his heart to be wooed and won by the kingdom of this world! Beware. This world is not your friend dear saint!

Irregardless of Demas' fate, Paul was clearly impacted by his tragic departure. One of the bitterest experiences in Christian service is to be forsaken by those who were formerly one’s fellow laborers.

Demarest comments that...

The tragedy is that here is one who at one time was running well but now has dropped out of the race. Fidelity in Christian life and ministry must be constantly renewed. Yesterday’s trophies do not win today’s races. And I’ve never known any parents who named their children after Demas. How sad." (Demarest, G. W., & Ogilvie, L. J. The Preacher's Commentary Series, Vol 32: 1, 2 Thessalonians / 1, 2 Timothy / Titus. Page 298. Thomas Nelson)

Vance Havner reminds us that...

Demas and all his sort want their crowns now and they will get them in Thessalonica. They have their reward. All who follow Paul will wait for theirs till that day. They have only two days on their calendar, today and that day. The Day shall declare it. (See 1 Corinthians 3:13.) If we are living just for today, we will go with Demas to Thessalonica. If we are living for that day, we will stay with Paul and exchange the old rugged cross one day for a crown.

CRESCENS [HAS GONE] TO GALATIA TITUS TO DALMATIA: Kreskes eis Galatian, Titos eis Dalmatian: (Act 17:1,11,13,11 13 Acts16:6; 18:23; Gal1:2, 2Co2:13; 7:6; 8:6,16; Gal2:1-3 2:2 2:3; Titus1:4)

Literally "Crescens into Galatia (click map), Titus into Dalmatia (on the eastern shore of the Adriatic Sea)" and specifically without any criticism or negative inference.

Thomas Guthrie used to say:

If you find yourself loving any pleasure better than your prayers, any book better than the Bible, any house better than the house of God, any table better than the Lord’s table, any person better than Christ, any indulgence better than the hope of heaven—take alarm.”

How will you finish the race? Like Paul or like Demas? Moody's Today in the Word gives us an illustration of a once fruitful life that ended in barrenness and futility...

ONLY LUKE IS WITH ME: Loukas estin (3SPAI) monos met' emou: (2Ti 1:15, Acts 16:10; Col 4:14; Philemon 24)

Luke is with Paul now in Rome just as he had been during Paul's first Roman imprisonment. In two of the "prison epistles" written during that first imprisonment Paul wrote that...

Luke, the beloved physician, sends you his greetings, and also Demas. (see note on Colossians 4:14)

Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke, my fellow workers. (Philemon 1:23-24)

Luke is first seen associated with Paul in (Acts 16:10)

"And when he [Paul] had seen the vision, immediately we [Luke now writing in the first person] sought to go into Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to preach the gospel to them. [those in Philippi]"

Luke accompanied Paul on his last trip to Jerusalem (Acts 21:15)

And when it came about that our days there were ended, we departed and started on our journey, while they all, with wives and children, escorted us until we were out of the city. And after kneeling down on the beach and praying, we said farewell to one another.

We lose sight of Luke until he identifies himself again at Caesarea on the Mediterranean coast as Paul departs for Rome (Acts 27:2)

And embarking in an Adramyttian ship, which was about to sail to the regions along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica.

Dr Luke not only accompanied Paul to Rome but he appears to remain at Paul's side through both imprisonments as suggested by the Scriptures quoted above.  Luke in fact is the only companion who remained with Paul ("only Luke is with me"). It is clear that an especially tender relationship had developed between the two men over the years ("the beloved physician").

What a marked contrast: Luke, the faithful physician whose affection for Paul continued to the end, and Demas whose affection failed under pressure.

PICK UP MARK AND BRING HIM WITH YOU: Markon analabon (AAPMSN) age (2SPAM) meta seautou: (Acts 12:12 25; 15:39; Col 4:10; 1Pe 5:13; Hos 14:4) 

Pick up (353) (analambano from aná = up + lambáno = take) means to ake up a thing in order to carry or use it.

Bring (71) (ago) means to carry, lead, conduct. This instruction is imperative mood or in the form of a command.

A separation occurred between Paul and Barnabas because of a sharp disagreement over Mark:

Mark returns home from Paul's First Missionary Journey: "Now Paul and his companions put out to sea from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia; and John (Mark) left them and returned to Jerusalem." (Acts 13:13)

Paul and Barnabas had a sharp disagreement over Mark prior to Paul's Second Missionary Journey: "And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, "Let us return and visit the brethren in every city in which we proclaimed the word of the Lord, and see how they are. 37 And Barnabas was desirous of taking John, called Mark, along with them also.38 But Paul kept insisting that they should not take him along who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work.39 And there arose such a sharp disagreement (paroxusmos: paroxysm = stirring up anger, sharp contention) that they separated from one another, and Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus.40 But Paul chose Silas and departed, being committed by the brethren to the grace of the Lord.41 And he was traveling through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches." (Acts 15:36-41)

Mark is restored to Paul's favor by the time of his first imprisonment in AD60-62 (2 Timothy being about 5 years later during Paul's second imprisonment) for he writes "Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends you his greetings; and also Barnabas' cousin Mark (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him)." (see note Colossians 4:10)

Paul's request for John Mark reveals that a reconciliation between the two had transpired since the conflicts of the first and second missionary journeys (cf. Acts 13:13; 15:36-41). What an interesting contrast Mark makes with Demas, who started out well and then jumped ship in favor of the world. One became useless, the other became useful.

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Our Daily Bread has a devotional on "Failure"...

Get Mark, ... for he is useful to me (2 Timothy 4:11). Although we can never undo a failure, we can learn from the experience and profit by it. A baseball pitcher who loses a game because he throws a fastball right where the batter wants it may come back four days later and hurl a shutout. He'll never erase the lost game from his record, but his failure can teach him valuable lessons that will help him to chalk up more wins than losses.

In Acts we read that John Mark accompanied Paul and Barnabas when they started their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5), but he soon departed from them (Acts 13:13). While he was at home, he apparently regretted what he had done, so he asked to be included the next time his older friends set out. Barnabas wanted to give him another chance, but Paul didn't, so they parted company and formed two teams—Barnabas taking Mark, and Paul taking Silas. Young Mark couldn't erase his first failure, but he must have learned from it because he became a respected Christian leader of his clay. Further-more, God used him to write one of the four gospels; and Paul, in his second prison epistle to Timothy, asked for Mark, saying, "He is useful to me for ministry."

It doesn't do any good to brood about what went wrong. Wishing we could do something over is an exercise in futility. Each day is new. With God's help we can succeed, if we learn from yesterday's failure. Christians live in "the land of beginning again." —H.V.L. (Our Daily Bread, Copyright RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved)

Failure doesn't mean you'll never succeed. It will just take longer.

FOR HE IS USEFUL TO ME FOR SERVICE: gar moi euchrêstos eis diakonian: (Mt 19:30; 20:16; Lu 13:30)

for he is profitable to me for ministering work (Wuest)

Useful (2173) (euchrestos from eú = well + chráomai = furnish what is needful) means easy to make use of and so pertaining to being of positive or good use - valuable, helpful, serviceable, beneficial.

Euchrestos was a a common term in Greco-Roman secular term in the description of service that has special social value.

Paul used euchrestos in his description of the man God can use writing that

if a man (thoroughly) cleanses himself from these things (from what is ignoble and unclean, who separates himself from contact with contaminating and corrupting influences), he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful (euchrestos) to the Master, prepared for every good work." (see note 2Timothy 2:21)

What does this use of euchrestos teach us about Mark?

Edwards comments that

The life of Mark stands as a testimony to the grace of God, Who is ever "The God of the Second Chance." Many of God's greatest servants failed miserably at the start of their course, but returned to finish the race in a God-honoring fashion. When David Livingstone attempted to preach his first sermon, he went blank and told the audience, "I have forgotten all that I had to say." He left the pulpit in utter shame and discouragement. But through the encouragement of Robert Moffat, he went on to be an accomplished preacher and doctor. God ever provides a second chance to the man who is willing to get back on his feet and run the race set before him. "Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 'Arise, go . . . preach . . . '" Jonah 3:1,2" (2 Timothy- Call to Completion)

Service (1248) (diakonia) means the rendering or assistance or help by performing certain duties, often of a humble or menial nature serve, including such  mundane activities as waiting on tables or caring for household needs—activities without apparent dignity.

Diakonia is used 34 times in the NT in the NASB (Lu; Acts 8x; Ro 3x; 1 Co 2x; 2 Co 11x; Eph; Col; 1Ti; 2Ti 2x; Heb; Rev) and is translated: ministries, 1; ministry, 19; m