2 Timothy 1:15-18

We're finishing up 2 Timothy 1 by taking a quick look at a couple of specific people in Paul's life. We get a glimpse into some differences in levels of faithfulness and how Paul feels about this. There is also a reference to how we still may feel today if someone we know is in prison. Let's take a look.

You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hemogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me - the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day - and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
- 2 Timothy 1: 15-18

Paul starts by referencing the people in Asia who "have turned away from me." Here, Paul is referring to what is commonly known today as Asia Minor, which is around Turkey. Notice that it says that they "turned away from me" not that they turned away from God. This may be a bit of a distinction without much of a difference, but I think it goes along with the idea about being ashamed of Paul because he was in prison. The fact that he points out two specific names of people could have to do with his personal connection with them. Maybe Paul was close friends with these two people and was the one who led them to Christ. This could be particularly painful for Paul for these two people to "turn away" and leave Paul out to dry.

On the other hand, Paul points out Onesiphorus' loyalty as a friend. Even today, many people are ashamed of loved ones who are in prison. Not only that, but Paul's imprisonment was in the midst of Nero's persecution of Christians. Paul mentions that Onesiphorus actually had to search for Paul to find out where he was being held. Think that one through a bit. He had to go around town inquiring as to where he could find this man who was a known "troublemaker" and convict. How do you suppose people viewed him for this sort of thing? Onesiphorus was taking a pretty substantial risk to himself and his reputation by asking around and trying to find Paul.

There is no way to tell, from Paul's writing, whether Phygelus or Hermogenes where fully apostate and totally fell away from the faith. However, Paul does seem to indicate that they did not remain loyal to him. From there, one could speculate as to why. The contrast between them and Onesiphorus, who was not ashamed of Paul's chains (and presumably the reason for those chains), could be an indication that they were ashamed of Paul and, by association, were ashamed of Christ as they were not as bold as Paul had hoped they would be.

Again, a lot of that is speculation on my part, but not without a certain amount of reason to back it up. As with everything, I am open to other perspectives on this. In the mean time, I look forward to getting into chapter 2 next time. Until then, grace love and peace.