Do you ever think about why you are here? Do you wonder if your life benefits others—or want to make sure that it does? Follow the example of Onesiphorus.
2 Timothy 1:16-18 says, “May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me…and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus” (ESV).
Onesiphorus’ name means “profit bearer,” and he was certainly of profit to Paul. When this letter was written, Paul was in Rome and in chains—and not just imprisoned in his own house; he was in a prison. Onesiphorus had to search to find Paul. His eagerness to be with Paul despite the danger to his own life was significant, and that’s why I think it refreshed Paul to see him.
In the same way, our being with each other brings encouragement, builds friendship, and fuels transformation of our lives. I am always refreshed in my spirit when I have been in the presence of men who genuinely love God and His word. Our speaking to one another about the truth of the Word and its impact on our lives empowers me to be more open about my own faith.
Note that Paul goes on to tell Timothy after this to be strong in the grace of Christ and to seek after faithful men who will be equipped to teach others (2 Timothy 2:2).
We can restore and energize others when we have sincere, meaningful spiritual closeness and sharing with them. I believe Onesiphorus was refreshed in his spirit to be in Paul’s presence as Paul was to be with him. Let’s not underestimate the impact being together has on each other but, as it says in Hebrews 10:24-25, let us think about how we can encourage each other to love and good deeds.
Are you helping others in their progress of faith as Paul helped the Philippians (Philippians 1:25)? Do you long to strengthen others as Paul did? (Romans 1:11-12: “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine.) Then, spend some time with them.
How can you refresh, encourage, restore, revive, energize, and invigorate another person today, tomorrow, or this week? Meet with them, pray with them, go deep with them (Proverbs 27:17)—just be with them.
Very little is written about Onesiphorus, but there is a lot we can learn from his example:
- Spend time with others.
- Stay strong in your faith so you can encourage and establish others in theirs.
- Be hospitable to other believers—and especially those who are in the ministry.
- Stand with those who are being persecuted for their genuine faith in Jesus.
Man of valor, be like Onesiphorus.
