2 Timothy 4:16

παρεγένετο. The rec. text has the compound form συμπαρ. with אcD2EKLP; the shorter form is preserved in א*ACG 17.

ἐγκατέλιπον. See on 2 Timothy 4:10.

16. ἐν τῇ πρωτῇ μου�.τ.λ. Eusebius (H. E. II. 22) refers this to St Paul’s first imprisonment, which was followed by release; but what is here told would not suit the circumstances of that less severe trial. The allusion is apparently to what was called in Roman law the prima actio. While this was being heard no man stood forward for him, whether in friendly sympathy, or (more probably) as his official patronus or advocatus. Paul had to plead his cause alone. All deserted him (the aorist tense ἐγκατέλιπον is again significant); they abandoned him, through fear (see 2 Timothy 4:10), when the crisis came. May it not be reckoned to them! God forgive their weakness!