DEMAS, de’ məs (Δημᾶς, G1318; shortened form of Δημήτριος, G1320, or Δημάρατος). This companion of Paul is first mentioned in the greetings sent from Rome to Colossae (Col 4:14; Philem 24), but is later marked for his desertion of Paul in his last imprisonment (2 Tim 4:10). Paul speaks volumes in the few words applied to Demas: he “hath forsaken me, having loved this present world” (KJV). Demas had gone to Thessalonica; but whether this was his home, whether he continued to fall away or became a faithful preacher, one cannot say. It is highly unlikely that he can be identified with the Demetrius of 3 John 12 (cf. Don John Chapman JTS, V, 1904, pp. 364ff.). Not lack of courage but a lust for materialism seemed to be his downfall.