We know a great deal about the apostle Paul, who wrote much of the New Testament and planted many churches. However, Paul didn’t act alone. The Bible notes Demas as one of many who assisted Paul’s ministry.
Paul makes it clear throughout his epistles that he was part of a community of dedicated Jesus followers. Through those epistles or the Book of Acts, we learn the names of several people (people like Barnabas, Luke, John Mark, and the couple Priscilla and Aquilla). Each of these people had a story, and Demas was no different.
But Demas’ story is a little different from the stories we usually mention in church.
What Books of the Bible Mention Demas?
Three New Testament books mention Demas:
- Colossians
- Philemon
- 2 Timothy
In Colossians 4:14, Paul writes, “Our dear friend Luke, the doctor, and Demas send greetings.” Demas worked alongside other prominent figures like Luke, the beloved physician, during Paul’s ministry. The letter’s context suggests that Demas spread the Gospel and supported the early Christian communities.
Similarly, in the book of Philemon, Demas is again listed among Paul’s companions. In Philemon 1:23-24, Paul sends greetings from “Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, sends you greetings, and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.” Here, Paul refers to Demas as one of his “fellow workers,” indicating his active involvement in ministry and his role in the early church’s missionary efforts.
However, the last mention of Demas reveals a dramatic shift. In 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul writes with a tone of disappointment and sorrow: “for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica.” This verse highlights Demas’s departure from Paul and, more significantly, his turning away from the ministry due to his love for the present world. Paul contrasts Demas’s desertion with the faithfulness of other companions, such as Luke, who remained with him.
Was Demas the Only Helper that Paul Had?
We know that Paul had a diverse array of helpers and partners. He seemed always to seek out fellow workers, working from a model that began when God called Paul and Barnabas to travel together. Let’s look at the best-known people he partnered with.
Barnabas: a Levite from Cyprus, Barnabas was known for his generosity and encouragement. He was pivotal in introducing Paul to the apostles in Jerusalem and joined him on missionary journeys (Acts 9:27, 13:1-3). Since Barnabas had more ministry experience at this point, we assume that Barnabas mentored Paul in those early days. Sadly, they eventually separated over a disagreement involving Mark (also known as John Mark). Mark traveled with them on their first missionary journey but left early on (Acts 13:13, 15:37-39). Fortunately, Mark later proved himself valuable, and Paul eventually acknowledged his usefulness in ministry (2 Timothy 4:11). Mark’s story illustrates how ministry partnerships can be redeemed and broken relationships restored.
Timothy: Paul learned from Barnabas’ example and mentored this young disciple he met in Lystra. Timothy became one of Paul’s most trusted companions and co-workers. Paul often called Timothy his “true son in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). Timothy accompanied Paul on many journeys and gave him significant responsibilities, including overseeing churches and addressing doctrinal issues (1 Timothy 1:3-4).
Priscilla and Aquila: the couple met Paul in Corinth. They were instrumental in providing leadership and hospitality to house churches. They traveled with Paul to Ephesus and played a crucial role in discipling Apollos, an eloquent teacher who only knew about the baptism of John.
Even though he separated from Barnabas and John Mark, Paul brought others along during his apostolic journeys, like Silas and Luke. Luke traveled with Paul on several missionary journeys, including the arduous trip to Rome (Acts 27:1-2). His detailed accounts of Paul’s travels and the early church's history provide invaluable insight into the spread of Christianity.
So, how does Demas compare to these famous ministry partners?
What Kind of Help Did Demas Give to Paul?
Demas is mentioned three times in Paul’s letters. Initially, he appears as a fellow worker: Colossians 4:14 and Philemon 1:24 list him among Paul’s companions, suggesting he was trusted and played a significant role.
Paul mentions Demas alongside fellow travelers like Luke, which means he was actively involved in the ministry’s daily operations. Scholars speculate that Demas provided the kind of assistance that Luke and others gave: he was likely a good companion who assisted with travel, distributing resources, and other logistics, not to mention spreading the Gospel. He would have worked with other people, too, coordinating Paul’s work with local church leaders.
However, in 2 Timothy 4:10, Paul notes with disappointment that Demas has deserted him because he “loved this world” and had gone to Thessalonica.
Do We Know Why Demas Deserted Paul?
The Bible does not provide further details about Demas after his desertion. The phrase “loved this world” suggests that Demas might have been drawn away by materialism, fear of persecution, or desire for a more comfortable and secure life. Therefore, his decision to leave Paul signifies a retreat from missionary hardships.
While the Roman roads, the Pax Romana, and other infrastructure helped the early apostles spread the Gospel, it wasn’t an easy job. The Bible records many times how Paul endured great persecution. His fellow travelers enjoyed the amazing healing experiences and seeing many come to Christ. They also endured persecution alongside Paul. At one point, Paul says about himself and those with him, “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9).
Notably, scholars believe that 2 Timothy, the last letter that mentions Demas, was written while Paul was imprisoned for his faith. Writing in chains for his faith, Paul laments how Demas chose worldly comforts over his commitment to the Gospel and Paul’s ministry (2 Timothy 4:10).
These were hard times. So difficult that some people quit along the way.
So, what happened to Paul after Demas left?
What Happened to Demas and Paul Eventually?
Paul continued his ministry to the Gentiles with relentless zeal despite facing numerous hardships, including imprisonment, beatings, and eventual martyrdom. In his final letter, 2 Timothy, written from a Roman prison, Paul reflects on his life and ministry. He acknowledges his imminent death but does so with a sense of fulfillment, hope, and faith.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8)
These words encapsulate Paul’s steadfast commitment to his calling and his confident expectation of eternal reward.
Traditionally, it is believed that Paul was executed by beheading under the Roman Emperor Nero around AD 64-67. His death marked the culmination of a life wholly devoted to Christ and the establishment of the early church. Paul's writings, missionary journeys, and leadership profoundly shaped Christian theology and the spread of Christianity throughout the Roman Empire and beyond.
So, we can learn a lot from Paul’s commitment to the faith. But the examples of people like Demas who didn’t finish the race well can also teach us much today.
What Can We Learn from Demas’ Story Today?
We can learn one great lesson from Demas’ faithful period: the impact of community and accountability. His initial involvement with Paul and other believers reminds us that solid spiritual companionship is vital. Paul thanks the people who supported him during his trials, specifically mentioning Timothy’s faithfulness (Philippians 2:19-20). Jesus also thanked his Father for his disciples (John 17:6-9). Despite their ignorance and stubbornness, Jesus felt he needed their companionship through his ministry. Like Jesus and Paul, we need the support of a faith community and close relationships with those who will support us and come alongside us in our weak moments. We can’t say if Demas’ departure means he didn’t have a spiritual community at a crucial time. We can say it was a great loss because ongoing support and accountability within the Christian community is key.
Demas leaving Paul provides us with other lessons. He serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges and temptations that can lead to abandoning one’s faith or calling.
Like Demas, we face obstacles and persecution in a world hostile to the Gospel. Following Jesus is difficult. Christ teaches this distinction between the narrow and broad paths.
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Too often, popular Christianity isn’t honest about the narrow way. The way to life proves difficult. We can't endure and live a godly life if we don’t rely upon God’s Spirit and strength. All have been tempted to quit on the Way. Paul often mentioned people who once believed but later turned away. Many of us have either done the same or know others who have.
Demas’s story also warns about worldly desires. Demas could have tired of persecution, but the phrase “because he loved this world” suggests he was drawn away by materialism, comfort, or security, prioritizing these over his commitment to the Gospel. We have the same propensity to be lured away by luxury and desire, all easily accessible on our phones. In Matthew 6:24, Jesus teaches, “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” We must prioritize spiritual over material wealth and focus on God’s kingdom. Material riches don’t last. Our eternal inheritance, however, is secure in Christ. We should live for that hope and reward.
Demas’s desertion emphasizes the importance of perseverance. Jesus promises our Christian journey will be fraught with challenges (John 16:33), and maintaining our faith requires endurance. James 1:12 states, “Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” Demas’s failure to persevere reminds Christians to remain steadfast and to seek God’s strength in times of trial, believing in the one who overcomes death and the world. Hebrews 12:1-2 encourages believers to “throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles” and to “run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”
The Bible records amazing acts from men and women of faith. It also honestly mentions many who followed and fell away. Let us learn from Demas and humbly admit our weakness, our need for God to give us perseverance, and the power of a strong Christian community to help us run the race God has for us.
Peace.
Photo Credit:©GettyImages/IPGGutenbergUKLtd
This article is part of our People of Christianity catalog that features the stories, meaning, and significance of well-known people from the Bible and history. Here are some of the most popular articles for knowing important figures in Christianity:
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