Paul is grieved because Demus has left the ministry and returned the ways of the world. He then asks that Mark come to him because , "He is good for the ministry(2 Timothy 2:11). The reason this simple request is significant is because Paul and Barnabas had argued over this same man in Acts chapter 15. Mark had been traveling with them previously, but had left and gone to a different city. Paul interpreted Mark leaving as forsaking him and the ministry.
The argument had been so great that Paul and Barnabas had split up. Paul took Silas and Barnabas took John Mark, going in opposite directions to preach. Now Paul is asking that same young man to come to him because he is good for the ministry.
We need to guard against our tendency to judge another because their decision is in conflict with what we think they should do. We need to consider that God may be directing them in a completely different ministry than the one he has chosen for us (2 Timothy 4:11).
