Note 33 at 2 Tim. 1:15: We do not have a scriptural account of the people of Asia turning away from Paul. This is the only mention of it in scripture. It can be assumed that this is speaking only of the Asians who were in Rome at that time, who turned away from him because of the potential incrimination that associating with a condemned prisoner might bring on them.

Paul started many churches in Asia and spent years of his life ministering to the people there. It would be hard to believe that thousands of people had forsaken him. It is certain that Timothy, who was an Asian, hadn't forsaken Paul. It is also probable that many of the possible 100,000 believers in Ephesus (see note 3 at 1 Tim. 1:3, p. 1263), under the leadership of Paul's most loyal associate, Timothy, still loved and appreciated Paul.

Note 34 at 2 Tim. 1:15: It must have been disappointing to the Apostle Paul to have the very people he had given his life for, forsake him in his time of need. However, there is no indication in scripture that he ever became depressed or bitter over this. To the contrary, his letters from prison are filled with joy and faith.

This wasn't because Paul wasn't tempted in the same ways that we are; he was (1 Cor. 10:13). Certainly he could have been devastated by the selfishness of those he had ministered to so unselfishly. He could have thought, what's the use? He could have despaired that his sacrifice wasn't worth the effort. They didn't appreciate what he had done, but the Apostle Paul wasn't serving man. He was not building his own kingdom. He didn't let the rejection of a few overshadow the response of many. He kept his eyes on Jesus and it wouldn't have mattered if no one stood with him. Jesus was there and that was the one he loved and served.

We can have the same attitude that Paul had if we make the same decisions that he made. We have to die to ourselves (Gal. 2:20), and live only for and through the Lord Jesus Christ. Faithfulness to the Lord is simple when self is out of the way.

Note 35 at 2 Tim. 1:15: This is the only mention of Phygellus and Hermogenes in scripture. Therefore, it is unsure what their connection or association with the Apostle Paul was. No doubt, Timothy knew who they were, which is why Paul mentioned them in this letter. They may have saved their necks by their disassociation from Paul, but they have been immortalized in scripture as the two who forsook Paul in his hour of need.