![[ Back ]](../../images/nav_back.png)
![[ Contents ]](../../images/nav_contents.png)
![[ Forward ]](../../images/nav_forward.png)
2 Timothy 1:16-18.
2 Timothy 1:16 "The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, ..."
In a time of desertion, Paul found comfort in the remembrance of a good friend, one who had "oft refreshed" him. Onesiphorus means "profit bringer". That he brought profit in spiritual fellowship to Paul, is evident from this tender appreciation of him. We know that he was a member of the Church at Ephesus, that his family was there - and that he was remembered as a good friend. He is used by the Apostle, as an example to Timothy of faithfulness in a day of unfaithfulness. Notice some features of this gracious man.
"he oft refreshed me" (2 Timothy 1:16 ). His repeated kindness to the apostle is described in the word "refreshed".
To Refresh Is To InvigorateIn the heat of trial, Paul had been revitalised by the cool breath of kindness of 0nesiphorus. Such a ministry is open to all, and is needed today.
To Refresh Is To CheerWhen going through depressing experiences, Paul had been cheered by Onesiphorus. What a blessing to be able to bring encouragement and joy into the lives of fellow Christians.
To Refresh Is To Re-FitJust as the body is refreshed by food, for further activity - so Christians were re-fitted for service by the kindness of Onesiphorus. The word re-fitting is used for the overhauling of a ship. Paul had been equipped through his profitable friend, for stormy voyages ahead. Can tired and depressed saints say we have "refreshed" them "in the Lord"? Onesiphorus often did it.
Are we profitable to the brethren?
The bond of kinship sometimes fails. Many of Paul's brethren were ashamed of his "chain". We read of the kind of love to be shown to the brethren in 1 Peter,
1 Peter 1:22 "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart,"
Or do we turn away from them in their times of adversity? We find an instance of this in John 13:18
Jesus was referring to Judas whose love proved false and led to betrayal. The faithfulness of Onesiphorus was proved in adversity. He identified himself with Paul the prisoner. It is clear he was unashamed of the reproach of Christ. The cross is still the symbol of deepest shame and infamy.
In Galatians we read of the "offence of the cross" (Galatians 5:11 ). Christ bore the shame of the cross.
Are we shrinking from the offence and scandal of the cross? Or can we say,
The government of the day was fierce and suspicious, and it meant no little thing to seek out diligently one of Rome's detested prisoners. Onesiphorus did it, and Paul never forgot it. Onesiphorus might have excused himself on the urgency of his business engagement, or argued about the risk arising out of contact with a political prisoner. He was painstaking in his friendship, and this would result in great mutual joy in meeting. Do we diligently seek out the needy, or do we excuse ourselves, and so accuse ourselves?
He was not content with having helped out in one way, he thought out other ways of helping. Timothy was well informed concerning the good works of this man. Love of a good friend will show itself in unfailing kindness. (Read I Corinthians 13:4-8 ).
Read Galatians 6:2-10.
Paul rewards Onesiphorus's kindness in the best possible way, by praying for him.
Paul prays for his household
Mercy is God's unmerited favour in action. Blessing comes upon the house for the father's sake - a good man's goodness blesses his home.
Paul prays for Onesiphorus
May he find mercy, even as he found me at Rome.
"That day" refers to the day in which the Lord will reward our works.
And reward us accordingly. Because, at our hands, others profited, we shall profit at the Lord's hands in that day.
May we bring profit to others, as did Onesiphorus, the good friend.