Articles
A Man Who Encouraged Paul
While Paul was in prison, Onesiphorus visited him (2 Tim. 1:16-18). In fact, he visited Paul often and put in effort to see him. Onesiphorus is in Ephesus and Paul is in Rome. That is not a short trip. He also risked himself. If he is visiting Paul in prison he might also be imprisoned. I can just imagine, Paul all alone in a Roman jail and now the announcement that he has a visitor. Onesiphorus steps in the room and Paul’s face lights up. An old friend has come again. As he leaves, Onesiphorus says to Paul, “I’ll be back.”
What did Onesiphorus do for Paul? Onesiphorus thought about Paul, but just to think about him was not enough. He also went to see him. He showed up. It’s nice to be thought of, even better when we follow through with the person we are thinking of. It does little good to stop at just thinking of someone.
Another thing Onesiphorus did was provide for a need. Everybody at one time or another needs to be refreshed. Paul was strong. A man of dauntless courage. A man of great faith. A man of wonderful intimacy with God. But he was still a man, and every man needs encouragement. If a man like him needs such encouragement, no wonder we do. There are so many that are discouraged. So many battled and defeated. So many with tears rather than laughter. So many exhausted and ready to faint. No one is more greatly needed than someone who sends us back to the battle of life with our strength renewed and our hearts gladdened with the hope of victory.
Also, Paul had to know somebody cared about him. Onesiphorus came to remind Paul that he was loved, he was important, and that his sufferings/impending death were not in vain. No one should suffer alone.
Every Christian should be an encourager. We might not be as able as we once were, but each one of us can care. Encouraging is something everybody can do. It’s more than meeting someone in the foyer and saying, "Have a nice week." It’s taking the responsibility to help each other walk with Jesus Christ, even in the toughest situations.
Paul had to know Onesiphorus appreciated him. Encouragement sweetens the heart and takes all the drudgery out of the most prosaic task. It is something that enriches both the giver and the receiver. It is as refreshing as bread is to the hungry, and water is to the thirsty.
One last thought: God notices. He watches the Encouragers even if nobody else does (Heb. 6:10). "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”
So who can you encourage?
Rickie Jenkins
