ONESIPHORUS

2 Timothy 1:16; 4:19 - The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

4:19 - Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.”

Onesiphorus was only mentioned twice in the Bible by the Apostle Paul. Not much is known about him, but his name, which means “fruit-bearing, beneficial” matches his personality and character. He was a gentile (Greek) convert in Ephesus, possibly during Paul's 3rd missionary journey. 

Our two verses convey all we know about Onesiphorus’s background. He was from Ephesus, where Paul had established a church (Acts 19:1-10). His family were believers, and in Ephesus, he helped Paul “in many ways.” Paul did not fail to greet him and his household in 2 Timothy 4:19.

Paul wrote 2 Timothy from his prison cell in Rome. It was already a difficult time for the apostle, made worse by trusted friends who abandoned him in his hour of need (2 Timothy 1:15). In stark contrast to these deserters was Onesiphorus, who stayed with Paul through thick and thin. Onesiphorus went out of his way to track Paul down and visit him in prison. In doing so, Onesiphorus showed great personal courage—it was dangerous to be called a Christian in Rome in those days—and compassion for the apostle.

Probably, Onesiphorus considered owing Paul a great debt. The church in Ephesus was the result of Paul’s 3rd missionary journey. Without Paul’s faithfulness in preaching the Word of God, Onesiphorus would not have heard the gospel. In gratitude to the one who introduced him to Christ, Onesiphorus was determined to be a blessing to Paul. He “often refreshed” the imprisoned missionary and never balked at being known as an inmate’s friend. Any physical or emotional blessing Onesiphorus could impart would still fall far short of the spiritual blessings he had received through the apostle.

Because of what Onesiphorus did, Paul prays for mercy to be shown to him. Paul’s prayer was undoubtedly grounded in Jesus’ promise in Matthew 5:7, “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.”

Paul’s experiences in the ministry speak well of how many faithful pastors are being treated until today. Despite the blessings Paul brought to many and the time he spent to strengthen and establish many churches, he was maligned, accused, and abandoned by people who were supposed to be by his side.

Praise God for Onesiphorus, who stayed with Paul alone through his conviction and imprisonment when it was difficult to be identified as a Christian, more so to be associated with someone imprisoned for his faith. He went to Rome and searched for Paul until he found him in prison. 

In more than 50 years in the ministry, I tasted the feeling of being abandoned by supposedly trusted friends. Because of unknown reasons, they were too quick to judge, leaving you wondering. It happened to Jesus Christ. Why would I then think I deserve to be treated differently? 

Thank God for the Onesiphorus in our lives, who stays faithful to bless us during times of loneliness and despair. They are blessings sent by God to keep us comforted and safe during difficult and overwhelming circumstances. Like the Apostle, let us not fail to recognize their love and acts of mercy.

Our Prayer for today:

Thank You, Lord, for sending Onesiphorus into my life to comfort and strengthen me during difficult times and the rejection of others. You truly have kept your promise never to leave us nor forsake us. May we stay grateful for their presence and sacrifice to bring us joy and comfort. In Jesus' name, Amen!