In one sentence we see the humanity of Paul as he becomes vulnerable to Timothy. There is real pain in these words and you may be able to relate to them.
“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy 1 v 15
What’s particularly striking about this moment is that Paul, who had endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments with remarkable resilience, is brought low not by physical suffering but by the absence of people he counted on.
This great apostle is wounded by the absence of people and isolation can be the most painful.
The abandonment Paul describes likely wasn’t just about people physically leaving. Some may have distanced themselves out of fear – associating with a prisoner could bring unwanted attention from Roman authorities. Others might have disagreed with Paul’s methods or message. Some probably just found it easier to move on than to stand by someone whose situation had become complicated and costly.
Is that your experience?
Have you known friends who disappear during illness or financial hardship, family members who withdraw during mental health struggles, or colleagues who distance themselves when someone falls from grace professionally. The reasons vary, but the sting of feeling left behind by those we trusted remains remarkably consistent.
Yet Paul’s honesty about this pain, rather than diminishing his strength, actually demonstrates a different kind of courage – the willingness to acknowledge hurt without becoming bitter, and to continue his mission despite the loneliness.
No one knows who Phygelus and Hermogenes are and this is their only mention in the Bible.
Yes, they made it into the Bible for all the wrong reasons.
They deserted Paul at the time when he needed them the most. But Paul continued serving the Lord even in a difficult time and place and so have you. Even though someone or perhaps some abandoned you it didn’t alter your course for you have continued to follow Christ.
Missions Paul 