2 Timothy 4:10

Demas. At one time Paul’s co-worker (see Colossians 4:14; Philemon 24). For some unknown reason he deserted the apostle. Perhaps the humiliation of Paul’s imprisonment and the consequent danger to his own life were too great a test to Demas’ courage. His name, like the names of Hymenaeus and Alexander (1 Timothy 1:20), is remembered only in pity and disgrace.

Loved this present world. Demas’ love of worldly gain and honor is in sharp contrast with the love of genuine Christians for the “appearing” of Christ. The desire for worldly honor may make it impossible for a Christian to fight successfully “a good fight” and to finish his “course” (v. 7).

Crescens. Nothing further is known of him. He, like Titus, apparently left Rome at the request of Paul so that some new advance of the gospel might be made.

Titus. See on Titus 1:4. To Corinth Paul had sent Titus to restore harmony and to discover the response of the Corinthian believers to his letter of reproof (see on 2 Corinthians 2:12, 13). Later, Titus accompanied the apostle to Crete, and while there supervised the organization of the church (see on Titus 1:5). Paul then instructed Titus to meet him at Nicopolis (see on Titus 3:12). He perhaps stayed with Paul until this present trip to Dalmatia, a province of Roman Illyricum along the Adriatic Sea.