Do Not Be Like These People 10

"You are aware of the fact that all who are in [the province of] Asia turned away and deserted me, Phygelus and Hermogenes among them. The Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and showed me kindness [comforting and reviving me like fresh air] and he was not ashamed of my chains [for Christ’s sake]; 

2 Timothy 1:15

[This is the 10th message of this series]

Apostle Paul

After having discussed about Onesiphorus in another series of lessons, who the Apostle Paul mentioned to Timothy (leader of the first church in the City of Ephesus), we will have a short lesson on Phygelus and Hermogenes who Paul also mentioned in that same letter to Timothy.

Apostates

Paul singled out Phygelus and Hermogenes when he reported to Timothy that the believers in the province of Asia have 'turned away' from the faith and left the church.

A multitude of people abandoning their faith is what the term 'apostasy' means. 

Turning Away

This mass turning away from God will have catastrophic consequences. And whoever causes this will have to answer for doing so.

And by mentioning these two people, it is either these two led this falling away movement or at the very least, they are the most prominent people within this group of people. And them doing so was a big reason for the others to leave the faith. [Some just act a certain way that turns off people as that they cannot see the Risen Christ through the way they conduct themselves]

Such is not the work of the Spirit of God, hence not of God or from God, and so it is from his enemy.

Long Term Effects

These apostates are probably a big reason why there are not that many believers in the province of Asia today. Let no one be like these two people. Let us not be singled out for something that has dire consequences. 

[The province of Asia was that region which was once part of the Roman Empire. It is a region comprising the western area of Asia Minor -- now modern day Turkey]

Do Not Be Like Them Series

Becoming (Like) Series

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