2 Timothy 1:15-18

c.

Onesiphorus 2 Timothy 1:15-18

Text 1:15-18

15 This thou knowest, that all that are in Asia turned away from me; of whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord grant mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus: for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; 17 but, when he was in Rome, he sought me diligently, and found me, 18 (the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.

Thought Questions 1:15-18

50.

Why would it be true that Timothy would know of conditions in Asia?

51.

Why did so many turn away from Paul? Why name two of them?

52.

Why mention the house of Onesiphorus? Why not just mention the man?

53.

Give your explanation as to just how Onesiphorus refreshed Paul,

54.

Why would it be difficult to find Paul?

55.

Is there a play on the word, find, in 2 Timothy 1:17-18?

56.

Timothy knew very well what Onesiphorus did in Ephesus, but we do not. Try to imagine two or three of the things he did.

Paraphrase 1:15-18

15 To guard the good deposit among the Ephesians is the more necessary, because thou knowest this, that all the Judaizing teachers who are in Asia have turned me off, denying that I am an apostle; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
16 May the Lord grant mercy to the family of Onesiphorus. For he continued his attachment to me, and often comforted me in my imprisonment, by his visits and friendly offices, and was not ashamed of me, though chained as a malefactor;
17 But being come to Rome, he searched for me with great diligence among the different prisons in the city, and at last found me,
18 For that good man himself I pray, may the Lord reward him for his kindness to me, and grant to him to find pardon from the Lord Jesus in the day of judgment. Besides, how many things he supplied to me while I abode in Ephesus, thou, being a witness thereof, knewest well.

Comment 1:15-18

2 Timothy 1:15. In what manner had those in the district of Asia turned away from Paul? The answer perhaps can be found in noticing the way at least one turned toward Paul. Onesiphorus came to Rome to visit Paul. We cannot believe it was only for a visit. He came to testify in defense of the Apostle. When others in Asia were asked to appear in Rome on Paul's behalf, they turned away. Two prominent members are mentionedPhygelus and Hermogenes. It was common knowledge to Timothy and the saints of Ephesus, and indeed, throughout the seven churches of Asia, that Paul could find many who talked of their love for him and the Gospel, but when it cost them money, time, and standing in the community, and even their own lives, they turned aside to serve themselves. Paul was not having an easy time. No wonder the thought of being ashamed reoccurs so often.

2 Timothy 1:16. But there are encouraging and refreshing times. Against the dark background stands the bright form of Onesiphorus. The name of this one would immediately remind Timothy of where he lived and of the family left behind. It was not easy for Onesiphorus to leave Ephesus and travel all the way to Rome; not when Rome was on fire with hatred against all Christians. Would the loved ones of Onesiphorus ever see him again? If they didn-'t, they could find comfort in knowing his mission was accomplished. He did arrive in Rome; he did find Paul; he did live up to his name, Onesiphorus, which means profit-bringer.

Just how this one oft refreshed Paul, we cannot say. There are several possibilities: just his presence would help; news of the blessing of God upon the works begun by Paul; in bringing with him personal messages of concern from those who loved God; perhaps in some literature brought to the Apostle. It is good to know, that even under the most trying of conditions, one can be refreshed.
The fact that Paul was a prisoner did not hinder Onesiphorus in his encouraging ministry. Please note that Onesiphorus did this often; he did not come to call on the prisoner in a perfunctory manner and leave having done his duty.

2 Timothy 1:17. When Onesiphorus arrived in Rome, it had been largely destroyed by fire. Christians were scattered and were living in constant fear of being arrested and taken to the Arena. When he inquired concerning the whereabouts of Paul, he had the greatest difficulty in finding those who would identify themselves as friends of a condemned criminal. Such comments are only imaginative, We do not know why he had difficulty in finding Paul, The conditions described could very well have been present.

Can we detect a note of suppressed joy in the little expression, and found me? We believe we can.

2 Timothy 1:18. There is a beautiful play on words in this versewhat I found, may the house of Onesiphorus find. I was brought comfort and strength in my hour of need; may the household of this good man find such comfort and strength in the day of judgment.

There is quite an effort made by some to show that Onesiphorus was dead, and that Paul was praying for the dead when he said, The Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day. Someone must be desperate for Scriptural proofs for a presupposition, to so misuse a text. Is it possible to desire God's blessing upon a man at the judgment before the man dies? Who would say that it isn-'t?
Reference is made to the mention of Paul's commendation of the house of Onesiphorus with no reference to him. We simply ask, Where was Onesiphorus when this letter was written? If he was in Rome, and Paul was writing from Rome to Ephesus, how could Paul greet someone who wasn-'t there? Does this prove he was dead? How ridiculous!
Timothy would appreciate Paul's approval of Onesiphorus, inasmuch as Timothy had observed the good works of this one in Ephesus.

Fact Questions 1:15-18

37.

Why couldn-'t Onesiphorus find Paul? Give your own explanation.

38.

Where is the note of suppressed joy?

39.

Point out the play on words in 2 Timothy 1:18.

40.

How do some persons use 2 Timothy 1:18 as a proof text for praying for the dead? How do you answer such a charge?