Demas Δημᾶς
Companion of Paul who later deserted him
Who is Demas in the Bible?
Demas was a companion and fellow worker in Paul's ministry who is mentioned in three of Paul's epistles. In Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24, Paul sends greetings from Demas along with other trusted believers such as Luke and Mark, indicating he was a valued member of Paul's ministry team during Paul's Roman imprisonment. However, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul expresses deep disappointment, stating that Demas had forsaken him, "having loved this present world," suggesting that Demas abandoned the ministry to pursue worldly interests. Demas' desertion is significant because it illustrates the tension between spiritual commitment and worldly temptation, serving as a sobering reminder of how even devoted believers can fall away when faced with the pressures and attractions of the world.
Biography
Demas is mentioned in three of Paul's epistles as a companion and fellow worker in the ministry. In Col.4.14 and Phm.1.24, Paul sends greetings from Demas, along with other believers such as Luke, Mark, and Aristarchus. This suggests that Demas was a valued member of Paul's ministry team during his imprisonment in Rome.
However, in 2Ti.4.10, Paul writes with a tone of disappointment, stating that Demas had forsaken him, "having loved this present world." This statement indicates that Demas had abandoned Paul and the ministry, choosing instead to pursue worldly interests. The exact nature of Demas' desertion is not specified, but it clearly caused Paul distress, especially as he faced his impending martyrdom.
The contrast between Demas' earlier dedication and his later abandonment serves as a warning to believers about the allure of worldly pursuits and the importance of remaining faithful to Christ and His mission. Demas' story is a reminder that even those who have served alongside great leaders like Paul can fall away if they allow their love for the world to supersede their commitment to God.
In Scripture
3 biblical books ; 2 with study contentColossians 1 verse
- Colossians 4:14
"Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas send you greetings."
Study Colossians →
2 Timothy 1 verse
- 2 Timothy 4:10
"because Demas, in his love of this world, has deserted me and gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia."
Study 2 Timothy →
Philemon 1 verse
- Philemon 1:24
"as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers."
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Greek | Δημᾶς | Dēmâs | Demas, a Christian |
Demas
r" with Paul at Rome (Col, Philem), but at last, "having loved this present world," forsook the apostle and betook himself to Thessalonica (2 Tim). No other particulars are given concerning him. See APOSTASY; DEMETRIUS.
de-me'-tri-us (Demetrios, "of" or "belonging to Demeter," an ordinary name in Greece):
(1) Demetrius I, surnamed Soter ("saviour"), was the son of Seleucus IV (Philopator). He was sent as a boy to Rome, by