Lexical Summary Démas: Demas Original Word: Δημᾶς Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Demas. Probably for Demetrios; Demas, a Christian -- Demas. see GREEK Demetrios NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprobably a short form of Démétrios Definition Demas, a companion of Paul NASB Translation Demas (3). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 1214: ΔημᾶςΔημᾶς, ὁ, Demas, (proper name, contracted apparently Δημήτριος, cf. Winers Grammar, 103 (97); (on its declension, cf. Buttmann, 20 (18))), a companion of Paul, who deserted the apostle when he was a prisoner at Rome and returned to Thessalonica: Colossians 4:14; Philemon 1:24; 2 Timothy 4:10. Topical Lexicon Name and Background Demas is identified in the New Testament as a one-time associate of the Apostle Paul. His name appears three times and, when charted chronologically, the references reveal a spiritual trajectory from active service to ultimate desertion. Scriptural Appearances • Colossians 4:14 – “Our beloved physician Luke sends you his greetings, and so does Demas.” Role in Pauline Ministry 1. Fellow Worker: In Colossians and Philemon, Demas stands among Paul’s trusted team—Luke, Mark, and Aristarchus—men who assisted in gospel outreach, correspondence, and pastoral care during Paul’s Roman imprisonment. Departure and Its Implications 2 Timothy, likely penned during Paul’s final imprisonment, exposes a tragic reversal: “Demas … has deserted me.” The clause “in his love of this world” locates the root cause not in persecution alone but in misplaced affection. Thessalonica, a prosperous commercial hub, may symbolize the allure of comfort and security versus the hardship of gospel ministry. Theological Reflections • Perseverance of the Saints: Demas offers a sobering counter-example to steadfast endurance (see Hebrews 10:36–39). Lessons for Contemporary Believers 1. Early zeal is not a safeguard against later compromise; continual devotion is essential (1 Corinthians 9:27). Historical Tradition Outside Scripture Patristic sources are sparse and occasionally contradictory. Later apocryphal narratives cast Demas either as a penitent who returned or as a persistent apostate. None carry canonical weight, and the biblical record remains the definitive testimony. Related Topics and Cross-References • Companions who remained faithful: Luke (2 Timothy 4:11), Timothy (Hebrews 13:23). Forms and Transliterations Δημας Δημᾶς Demas Demâs Dēmas DēmâsLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Colossians 4:14 N-NMSGRK: ἀγαπητὸς καὶ Δημᾶς NAS: sends you his greetings, and [also] Demas. KJV: physician, and Demas, greet you. INT: beloved and Demas 2 Timothy 4:10 N-NMS Philemon 1:24 N-NMS |
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