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turned away

2 Timothy 1:15-18 (JDV)

2 Timothy 1:15 You know that all those in the province of Asia have turned away from me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.
2 Timothy 1:16 May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.
2 Timothy 1:17 Indeed, when he was in Rome, he diligently searched for me and found me.
2 Timothy 1:18 May the Lord grant that he obtain mercy from him on that day. You know very well how many ways he assisted at Ephesus.

turned away

What sad words the apostle pens. His feelings of rejection and betrayal are mixed with his concern and love for those past friends who have now turned away.

We cannot help but feel the anguish Paul is feeling, and recall those who were part of our lives and supporters of our mission, but who have left — turned way.

His prayer is not for revenge, but for mercy to those who have abandoned him. In the midst of his grief over his own loss, he still remembers the joy these people once caused him.

LORD, have mercy on those who have turned away from us.