Demas
“Popular (contraction of Demetrius)”
Summary
A companion of the apostle Paul during his first Roman imprisonment who later deserted him through love of the present world.
☩Association with Paul
Demas appears in Paul's letters during the apostle's first Roman imprisonment around A.D. 57. He is listed among Paul's fellow laborers alongside Mark and Luke, sending greetings to the Colossians and to Philemon. The name is probably a shortened form of Demetrius. His association with Luke, the beloved physician, suggests he was part of Paul's trusted inner circle.
☩Desertion
In Paul's final letter, written shortly before his martyrdom around A.D. 64, the apostle writes poignantly: 'Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica.' Thessalonica may have been his hometown, and the prospect of worldly advantage in that busy commercial center likely drew him away from the hardships and dangers of Paul's company. When Paul faced certain condemnation under Nero, Demas chose safety over loyalty.
☩Nature of His Departure
Tradition magnified Demas's departure into complete apostasy from Christianity, as reported by Epiphanius. However, the original text may imply only that he declined to share Paul's dangerous circumstances rather than renouncing faith entirely. The phrase 'loved this present world' suggests worldly ease and home comforts proved more attractive than suffering for Christ—a temptation Paul contrasts with those who 'love Christ's appearing.'
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Demas," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. II (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Demas," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.Andrew Robert Fausset, "Demas," in The Englishman's Critical and Expository Bible Cyclopædia (Hodder & Stoughton, 1878).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Demas," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. I (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).