Articles
Onesiphorus, Devoted Servant
“The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus” (2 Timothy 1:16-18).
As Paul writes to Timothy from prison, he often expresses feelings of abandonment. He clearly identifies those like Phygellus and Hermogenes, who either abandoned the cause or sought to do him harm. However, he is also comforted by remembering those who came to his aid.
Onesiphorus is not a household name. It is believed he may have been a merchant at Ephesus who occasionally visited Rome. It is obvious that he also devoted his life to zealously serving the believers. Paul had been a recipient of this man's kindness.
First, Paul speaks of this man's perseverance. When Onesiphorus arrived in Rome he sought out Paul very zealously. He took great pains to find the apostle. Onesiphorus looked for Paul until he found him.
Second, Onesiphorus was not ashamed to be associated with Paul, this time honored soldier of the cross. Paul would say he “oft refreshes me.” This servant frequently visited Paul to offer his kindness. While others had abandon the cause, this servant was glad to stand with Christ and his apostle.
Paul asked for mercy for this servant. Though bound as a prisoner, Paul's prayers were not hidden from God's throne of grace. He remembered this kind servant and was confident that the Lord would not forget his labor of love as well. Onesiphorus would be blessed by the promise of the Lord: I was in prison and you visited me.
The Lord may be calling upon us to comfort the downtrodden or to stand bravely on the side of those afflicted for His cause. Onesiphorus was a true friend to a great warrior whose battles were nearly over. There is no more edifying picture than those whose timidity is overcome by a sense of duty to Christ and his people.
