Onesiphorus
2 Timothy was Paul’s last letter before he was martyred. As indicated by the following, Paul knew his death was near:
There’s something especially commendable about a friend who will stand by you in distress as Onesiphorus did for Paul. (Some believe it was dangerous for Onesiphorus even to be associated with Paul at this time! This could be inferred from verse 15.) Paul also wrote:
(1) He was kind in Ephesus (2 Tim. 1:18) when all was secure and
(2) He was kind in Rome when the air was filled with death and danger.
Perhaps he had Gal. 6:2 in mind
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“The time has come for my departure” (2 Tim. 4:6).
(The word departure was also used by Peter in reference to death. See 2 Pet. 1:15.) While Paul was in chains at Rome awaiting his execution, a disciple named Onesiphorus was a great blessing to the champion apostle. Paul wrote that this disciple “searched hard” to find him. When he finally did find Paul he “refreshed” him (2 Tim. 1:16). This refreshing that Onesiphorus blessed Paul with occurred “often,” according to the same verse. “May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Tim. 1:16).
This phrase is a difficult one, but some think Onesiphorus paid with his life to refresh Paul before his martyrdom! This remains a mystery, but certain truths are obvious about this disciple: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
The body of Christ needs more like Onesiphorus. If he could refresh the great apostle Paul as he did, then you too can refresh the typical Christian by acts of kindness. Think about it.
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