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Daily Devotions

2 Timothy

2 Timothy 
Day 
Day 16

"All those in Asia have turned away from me..."

Text: 2 Timothy 1:15

MINISTRY PROCEDURES

The apostle Paul worked hard at planting churches wherever he went. His method of operation would include the following:-

1. Paul would spearhead a ministry.

 

2. Fellow-labourers would be found.

a) Paul and Silas
b) Timothy, Titus

These were younger men who were especially trained and groomed for future ministries.

 

3. Establishing of churches

a) People would be disciples.
b) Among them would emerge those with leadership potential (1 Timothy 3).
c) These would be appointed as elders and deacons.

 

A PAINFUL EXPERIENCE

Amidst these missionary endeavours Paul would sometimes experience suffering. Some would suffer with him. But there were times when not all were able to suffer with Paul. He recalled one painful experience.

“This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me,
among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.”
2 Timothy 1:15

1. “This you know”

a) Timothy had probably experienced this with Paul.
b) Paul was sharing a reflection of this incident.

 

2. “That all those in Asia have turned away from me”

a) Perhaps because the suffering was very intense.
b) Fear could have overwhelmed.
c) Certainly there was not sufficient courage and strength to endure suffering.
d) “All those in Asia have turned away”
i) This was not recorded in the Book of Acts.
ii) But this was a painful experience that must not be easily forgotten.
e) Two names were mentioned:-
i) These defected from following Paul.
ii) We do not have further information about these two men.