2 Timothy 1:15

Asia. That is, the Roman province of Asia with the city of Ephesus as its capital (see Additional Note on Acts 16:15; see The Journeys of Paul).

Turned away from me. Nothing is known of the particular situation here referred to. However, it must have been some event that called for a display of courage and honor by those who professed loyalty to Christianity. Paul keenly felt this disappointment, and knew that if all his collaborators would flee in the face of persecution, the structure he had labored to build up would collapse. However, confidence in Timothy’s devotion cheered Paul and provided the setting for his challenge to Timothy that he stand unashamed of the gospel he preached (see on v. 8). Furthermore, he was to guard triumphantly the sacred “deposit” of truth (see on v. 12) he had received from Paul and the other apostles (v. 14) at the time of his conversion.

Phygellus and Hermogenes. The Scriptures provide no further information regarding these men or their offense. It is tragic to be remembered only for shame or cowardice. These men had failed to “guard” the “deposit” of truth that had been entrusted to them.