Paul's Friends and Enemies

Paul is in prison and nearing the end of his earthly life, and in this passage he urges Timothy to come and visit him quickly. He goes on to describe how Demas, who in Philemon is counted as one of the believers, has left him, having loved this present world. Love of the world is a common precursor to apostasy, a sobering thing for us to consider. Paul also speaks of how all deserted him, which lends to his particular desire for Timothy to come. How lonely to be in his last days and have none to stand with him. Yet he forgives them, and desires in a similar manner as Jesus did on the cross that it not be counted against them. Paul also shares his comfort - "but the Lord stood with me and strengthened me."