PHYGELUS fĭ’ jə ləs, fĭ je’ ləs (Φύγελος, G5869, a fugitive [?]; TR, Φύγελλος). A Christian named with Hermogenes as among those in the Rom. province of Asia who “turned away” from Paul in his need (2 Tim 1:15). Their turning away was prob. not a doctrinal defection but rather a fearful refusal to aid Paul. Their action stands in contrast to that of Onesiphorus (q.v.). Some think the repudiation occurred in Rome; more prob. it took place in Asia. It was either at his arrest or when Paul requested their presence as witnesses at his trial in Rome.