demas Summary and Overview

a companion and fellow-labourer of Paul during his first imprisonment at Rome (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). It appears, however, that the love of the world afterwards mastered him, and he deserted the apostle (2 Tim. 4:10).

(governor of the people), most probably a contraction from Demetrius or perhaps from Demarchus, a companion of St. Paul, #Phm 1:24; Col 4:14| during his first imprisonment at Rome. (A.D. 57.) At a later period, #2Ti 4:10| we find him mentioned as having deserted the apostle through love of this present world, and gone to Thessalonica.

DE'MAS , a zealous disciple and fellow-laborer of Paul, Phile 24; Col 4:14, who afterward left him through inordinate love of the world, 2 Tim 4:10. The name is most probably a contraction from "Demetrius" or from "Demarchus."

Contracted from DEMETRIUS, or Demarchus. Paul's "fellow laborer," along with Mark and Luke (Philemon 1:24), and companion (Colossians 4:14) during his first Roman imprisonment. But he declined; for in 2 Timothy 4:10 Paul writes, "Demas hath forsaken (Greek text: "left behind") me, having loved this present world (world course), and is departed unto Thessalonica," probably his home (Chrysostom). Love of worldly ease and home comforts was his snare, a sad contrast to "all them that love Christ's appearing" (2 Timothy 4:8).