2 Timothy 1:12-15

2 Timothy 1:12-15. Nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.

Probably these were leaders who ought to have acted differently, and to have stuck by the apostle; but when he was in prison, and likely to be put to death by Nero, many, who had been his former companions, forsook him, and were ashamed to own him, for which we also are ashamed of them. It is the same now, if the servant of God shall fall into the disfavour of the great ones of the earth, many will be ashamed of him. Paul mentions these who turned away from him, for their unfaithfulness evidently grieved him sorely; but he also mentions another case of quite a different sort:--