“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.” (2 Timothy 1:15-18)
Remember Onesiphorus. Do you recognize that name? Probably not! It’s a strange name, and it’s only used in this letter of 2 Timothy. Yet, Paul wants us to remember Onesiphorus. Why? Because faithful Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul’s chains.
Other people were. One of the most painful aspects of Paul’s imprisonment was to realize how many people had abandoned him. That happens to you in difficult times too, doesn’t it? You realize who is—or isn’t—on your side. As Paul sat in prison in Rome, it felt like “everyone in the province of Asia” had deserted him. Asia here refers to what we would call the country of Turkey. Paul had started many churches there. Yet, in his hour of need, did those churches care for Paul? It sure didn’t seem like it.
In addition, two friends of Paul—Phygelus and Hermogenes—had deserted Paul too. We don’t know anything more about these men, but the fact that they are named here means their betrayal must have been especially painful. Just like Judas had betrayed Jesus, Paul had been deserted by his close friends.
But not Onesiphorus. This Christian man was faithful to the end. He “refreshed” Paul and was not ashamed of his chains. On the contrary, he traveled all the way to Rome and searched and searched until he found Paul in his prison cell. Paul prayed that the Lord would bless Onesiphorus’ family and grant him eternal life on Judgment Day. Sometimes faithful Christians have strange names. Remember Onesiphorus!
What brother or sister in Christ has helped you in your moments of need? Remember them today with a prayer of thanks to Jesus. One of his greatest blessings is to provide other Christians to encourage us.
Whom could you be an Onesiphorus to today? Whom in your life might feel alone or deserted today? Refresh them with Jesus’ love and promises. They will never forget it, and God won’t either.
Dear Lord, thank you for all the Onesiphoruses you have placed in my life. Use me to be a refresher and encourager to others today. To you be the glory! Amen.
Upside-Down Savior 