The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain. 2 Timothy 1:16
The book of 2 Timothy is the only place in the Bible where we read of Onesiphorus of Ephesus; his name appears in both chapter 1 and chapter 4 (a brief mention). In some ways, we know very little about him. We don’t know anything about his family, his financial state, his employment, or any of those things. But we do know that he was a dear friend to Paul, and had done much for him in the days when Paul was labouring in the Gospel in Ephesus. Our text tells us how Onesiphorus had often been a blessing to Paul and was not ashamed to be seen with a man in prison chains. The next two verses tell us of a time when Onesiphorus went to Rome to find Paul, and did not give up until he found him in the prison. How thrilling that must have been to Paul, when his dear friend from Ephesus reached him in that prison. Undoubtedly, Onesiphorus would have taken Paul some food and clothing, and other items he would need. Undoubtedly, the two men would have shared a time of prayer and fellowship. Onesiphorus would have conveyed greetings from other Christians in Ephesus, and brought Paul up to date on the news from that Assembly. The care and devotion that Onesiphorus showed for the old preacher serves as a wonderful example for us.
In some ways, you and I have encountered people like Onesiphorus, folks who have gone out of their way to be kind to us. We have had Christians who showed us kindness when we needed it, people who were there when we were hurting or in need of a caring person’s presence. We have known the gentle guidance and encouragement from an older saint who knew that we were vulnerable to the devil’s attacks, the kindly rebuke from a brother or sister who knew we were slipping off the path. As we consider such people, we acknowledge that the Lord sent them alongside for our blessing. If it were not for them, we might well have suffered shipwreck. We owe them much, and if we can, we should thank them. Surely we will thank the Lord for them as Paul thanked the Lord for Onesiphorus.
All of those who have played the role of Onesiphorus in our experience have shown us the value of this vital role, and we are indebted to them to pass it on. Taking their example as a lesson, we are to find those around us who need our help. It may cost us in terms of time, effort, money, and heartache. But if Onesiphorus could do it for Paul, and if others could do it for us, we ought to do it for others. It is what the Lord Jesus would do and what He would want us to do. In Onesiphorus’ case, he received a word of commendation and thanks from Paul. For us, that may not always be the case. But Onesiphorus did it first for the Lord and then for Paul. And that made it worthwhile.
Onesiphorus made a difference that was huge to Paul. What difference can we make by being like him? – Jim MacIntosh