Bible Dictionary
Demas
Demas was a companion and fellow worker of Paul during his Roman imprisonment. Later, he deserted Paul because he loved the present world and went to Thessalonica.
Definition
Demas was a companion and fellow worker of Paul during Paul’s first imprisonment at Rome. Later, Demas deserted the apostle because he loved the present world and went to Thessalonica.
Biblical Usage
Demas is named with Paul’s fellow workers in Philemon and Colossians. In Paul’s later letter, his departure is presented as an example of abandoning ministry through love of the present world.
Historical Background
No further particulars about Demas are given in the supplied material. His name may be a contraction of Demetrius or Demarchus.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A companion and fellow-labourer of Paul during his first imprisonment at Rome (Philemon 1:24; Col. 4:14). It appears, however, that the love of the world afterwards mastered him, and he deserted the apostle (2 Tim. 4:10).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(governor of the people), most probably a contraction from Demetrius or perhaps from Demarchus, a companion of St. Paul, (Philemon 1:24; Colossians 4:14) during his first imprisonment at Rome. (A.D. 57.) At a later period, (2 Timothy 4:10) we find him mentioned as having deserted the apostle through love of this present world, and gone to Thessalonica.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>de'-mas (Demas, "popular"): According to Col 4:14; 2Ti 4:10; Phm 1:24, one who was for a time a "fellow-worker" with Paul at Rome (Col, Philem), but at last, "having loved this present world," forsook the apostle and betook himself to Thessalonica (2 Tim). No other particulars are given concerning him. See APOSTASY; DEMETRIUS.</p>