Lives of Scripture

Hermogenes is known only from a single, sobering line near the end of 2 Timothy, Paul's last letter, written from a Roman prison shortly before his execution. Paul writes to Timothy, "You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes" (2 Timothy 1:15). No explanation is given -- whether Hermogenes renounced the faith outright, simply distanced himself from a prisoner facing capital charges to protect himself, or some other cause of the break. What Scripture does make clear is the contrast Paul draws immediately afterward: "The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me" (1:16-17). Hermogenes is named specifically, not left anonymous within "all who are in Asia," which suggests Timothy would have recognized him -- perhaps a co-worker or acquaintance whose defection stung in a personal way. Set against Onesiphorus's costly loyalty, Hermogenes's brief, unflattering mention stands as one of the New Testament's plain reminders that not everyone who starts well in the faith, or in association with the apostles, finishes that way.