Forgiveness
2Tim 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
Just as Christ experienced being deserted at some crucial point, so also such is not an uncommon experience among those who follow in his steps.
Here "deserted" is in the aorist tense in Greek, referring not to a characteristic lifestyle but rather to a particular event. I made this point previously in commenting on Demas deserting him in verse 10. From time to time, particularly under duress, even those born of God will fail at some point, even though such failure be uncharacteristic of their lifestyle. When those born of God fail you, don't be too bothered by it, for they will find they can't stay there. Their conscience convicts them and they will be restored.
Very significantly here is that Paul essentially forgave these Christians for deserting him, prior to their even repenting! This somewhat reminds of what Jesus said on the cross, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 Special consideration might be shown those operating under ignorance or under duress, as in this case.
2Tim 4:16 At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.
Just as Christ experienced being deserted at some crucial point, so also such is not an uncommon experience among those who follow in his steps.
Here "deserted" is in the aorist tense in Greek, referring not to a characteristic lifestyle but rather to a particular event. I made this point previously in commenting on Demas deserting him in verse 10. From time to time, particularly under duress, even those born of God will fail at some point, even though such failure be uncharacteristic of their lifestyle. When those born of God fail you, don't be too bothered by it, for they will find they can't stay there. Their conscience convicts them and they will be restored.
Very significantly here is that Paul essentially forgave these Christians for deserting him, prior to their even repenting! This somewhat reminds of what Jesus said on the cross, "Forgive them for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 Special consideration might be shown those operating under ignorance or under duress, as in this case.
