Co-worker of Paul who later deserted him
Demas
One of Paul's trusted co-workers during his imprisonment, later remembered with sharp disappointment as someone who abandoned Paul out of love for "this present world."
Life and work
Demas is first mentioned as one of Paul's companions and fellow workers, listed alongside Luke in Paul's greetings from prison (Colossians 4:14, Philemon 1:24) — evidently a trusted member of Paul's circle during a difficult season. But in one of Paul's last letters, the tone changes sharply: writing to Timothy, Paul says plainly that "Demas has forsaken me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica" (2 Timothy 4:10). The Bible gives no further detail about what drew Demas away, but the brief, pointed line has made him a lasting example of someone who walked closely with the faith for a time and then let it go.
Extra-biblical evidence
No extra-biblical record of Demas survives outside Paul's letters.
Scripture references
- Colossians 4:14 — Named among Paul's co-workers
- Philemon 1:24 — Named as a fellow laborer
- 2 Timothy 4:10 — Paul laments that Demas deserted him for love of the world
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