D. Know the Deserters and the Refreshers (1:15-18)

Not all guard the deposits with which they have been entrusted, as Paul crisply reminds Timothy (v.15). Everyone, is hyperbole, probably reflecting the anguish and loneliness Paul is experiencing. The province of Asia was the Roman province with Ephesus as its capital; it is located in modern western Turkey. Phygelus and Hermogenes perhaps were leaders of the group that deserted Paul. Paul, however, has been encouraged by a faithful guard of the deposit, Onesiphorus, who is mentioned only here. He had helped Paul in Ephesus (v.18) and searched diligently in Rome for Paul (v.17). He was not ashamed of Paul’s prisoner status and refreshed (Gk., “make cool”) him (v.16).