How Onesiphorus Epitomized Loyalty and Kindness

Daily Devotional – Sunday, January 29, 2023
The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.
2 Timothy 1:16 (NKJV)

In his second epistle to Timothy, Paul laments from his prison cell, “All those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” (2 Timothy 1:15). That must have hurt considering the apostle’s diligent labour in Asia. Among the few friends who stood by Paul, Onesiphorus epitomized loyalty and kindness.

Onesiphorus Exemplifies Reliability and Compassion

Paul states, “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.” (Verses 16-18).

Notice that when Onesiphorus visited Rome (probably for business purposes), he took the pain to locate the prison where Paul was incarcerated and made it a habit to visit the apostle.

Undivided Fidelity and Generosity

Paul’s zealous friend also attended to the latter’s physical needs and took time to talk to and encourage the prisoner of faith. Onesiphorus was also not ashamed of the public opinion of his relationship with a prisoner of Paul’s calibre and reputation (according to the Romans).

Although Onesiphorus appears to have been dead by the time Paul wrote this letter, Paul prayed that God would remember and bless the family of the deceased. The apostle also hoped that Onesiphorus would fare well on the judgement day for ministering to the servant of God. Onesiphorus’s good works followed him as it were. (Revelation 14:13).

How Onesiphorus Epitomized Loyalty and Kindness

If Paul lived in contemporary society, would there be an Onesiphorus to visit and refresh him in jail? Would we desert him like those in ‘Asia’ of his day? How many would defy negative public opinion and demonstrate loyalty and kindness to a fellow believer wrongly accused and condemned?

In a world where social media and gossip are the most reliable sources of information, how often do we show fidelity and compassion to friends whose character and reputation are maligned? Onesiphorus epitomized loyalty and kindness toward a fellow believer. Can people say the same about you?

Prayer
Lord Jesus, I want to be a modern-day Onesiphorus, diligently, zealously, and selflessly, ministering to the needs of others, especially those condemned by society.