2 Tim 4:10 - Demas deserting Paul

[Michael]

I often hear this verse quoted to show that Demas abandoned Paul because of his worldliness. Most translations also render the verse with this slant.

Is there really a negative connotation in this verse. Is it not possibly just saying that Demas loved the lost and for this reason left Paul to go and preach? According to Strong's the word translated as "forsaken" doesn't necessarilly have a negative slant, but could just mean that he left Paul. If Demas had deserted Paul then would it not be implied that Crescens and Titus had also deserted him?

[steve]

I wouldn't place too much weight on the translation of "forsaken," though it is probably correct in this case. It is the phrase "having loved this present world" that gives it a clearly negative slant (cf., 1 John 2:15-17).

[Michael]

That makes sense. I was thinking of Jn 3:16. Looking at the Greek again, I notice that the greek word interpreted "world" is "aion", which also seems to fit with the negative slant. Does this then imply that Crescens and Titus had similar motives for leaving Paul, since no other details are given?

[steve]

I think not, though I can see why the sentence might be so construed. It is not necessary to say that the others (other than Demas) left on bad terms.