Onesiphorus is mentioned twice in the New Testament, both times in Paul’s second letter to Timothy. His name means “profit-bringer” or “advantage-bringer” in Greek. Although not much is known about him, the few details provided in Scripture paint a picture of a faithful and courageous follower of Christ.
Onesiphorus Refreshing Paul in Prison
Paul first refers to Onesiphorus in 2 Timothy 1:16-18 while writing from prison in Rome. He expresses gratefulness for Onesiphorus and his household because “he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains.” This indicates that Onesiphorus made frequent visits to see Paul while he was imprisoned and even ministered to him there. At great personal risk, Onesiphorus showed no shame in being associated with Paul who was seen as a criminal in Roman custody. Rather, he happily provided aid and encouragement to Paul during this difficult time.
Paul also notes that Onesiphorus “searched for me earnestly in Rome” (2 Timothy 1:17). This implies that Onesiphorus made diligent efforts to locate Paul so he could assist him in prison. Considering Paul was likely being held under close guard in Rome, it was no easy task finding and gaining access to him. Yet Onesiphorus was dedicated enough to expend time and energy tracking Paul down so he could refresh him in his distress.
In referring to the “household” of Onesiphorus, it’s possible his wife and children also participated in serving and comforting Paul in Rome. The entire family was devoted to Christ and unafraid to identify with Paul despite the cost.
Paul Praying for Onesiphorus’ Household
The second reference to Onesiphorus comes in 2 Timothy 4:19. Paul sends greetings to Prisca and Aquila and “the household of Onesiphorus” and asks Timothy to greet them on his behalf. But notably absent is any direct greeting to Onesiphorus himself.
This has led many scholars to conclude that by the time of writing, Onesiphorus had passed away. Otherwise, Paul likely would have greeted him individually as well. Instead, Paul extends greetings only to the household, probably referring to his wife and children who had also assisted Paul.
Most poignantly, Paul continues by praying “may the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains” (2 Timothy 1:16). Here Paul asks the Lord’s mercy upon the household, confirming Onesiphorus himself is no longer alive. Yet Paul fondly recalls the many times Onesiphorus refreshed him in his imprisonment, again affirming his faithful service right to the end.
Lessons from Onesiphorus
Though little is known about Onesiphorus, his brief appearances in Scripture provide valuable lessons:
- He was dedicated to serving those in need, especially fellow believers like Paul who was suffering in prison.
- He was loyal and unwavering in his support, making every effort to find Paul so he could minister to him.
- He was courageous and unashamed, boldly identifying with Paul despite the risk as a prisoner.
- His whole family shared his devotion to Christ and supported Paul as well.
- He left a lasting legacy that outlived him, forever memorialized in Scripture for his refreshing ministry to Paul.
At a time when Paul felt deserted and alone, Onesiphorus proved to be a true friend. His Christ-like love compelled him to comfort Paul in affliction. His name indeed means “profit-bringer,” for his ministry greatly profited Paul in his time of need. Onesiphorus exemplifies the hands-on service, bravery, and loyalty that should characterize all followers of Christ.
Other Details about Onesiphorus in the Bible
Here are a few other details the Bible provides about Onesiphorus:
- He was likely from Ephesus, along with his wife and children.
- He and his household were part of the early Christian church.
- His acts of service to Paul indicate he had some wealth and resources.
- His name never appears apart from references to serving Paul.
- He is not mentioned anywhere else in the New Testament.
- His refreshing visits to Paul in Rome occurred sometime around 64-67 AD.
While no other biblical facts are available about Onesiphorus, traditions hold that he was ordained as a bishop by Paul, died as a martyr in the city of Parium, and was later honored as a saint. However, these traditions cannot be historically substantiated. The Bible alone holds the definite details about the courageous faith and refreshing ministry of Onesiphorus.
Onesiphorus’ Actions Fulfilling Christ’s Commands
When examining the actions of Onesiphorus, it becomes evident his ministry to Paul aligned with Christ’s commands to His followers. Consider the following parallels:
- Persistently visited Paul in prison – Fulfilling Christ’s command to visit the sick and imprisoned (Matthew 25:36).
- Refreshed Paul’s spirit – Fulfilling Christ’s command to give drink to the thirsty (Matthew 25:35).
- Diligently searched for Paul – Fulfilling Christ’s command to earnestly seek Him (Luke 11:9).
- Unashamed of Paul’s chains – Fulfilling Christ’s command to openly confess Him before others (Luke 12:8).
- Aided Paul in affliction – Fulfilling Christ’s command to minister to those in need (Matthew 25:40).
In his service to Paul, Onesiphorus displayed genuine faith and obedience. His actions were a direct outworking of Christ’s call to love one another through sacrificial service. Therefore, Onesiphorus stands out as an exemplary model of what it means to live out the Gospel.
Onesiphorus: A True Friend in Need
Onesiphorus revealed himself as a true friend to Paul by providing help in his hour of need. As Proverbs 17:17 states, “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” Though many had abandoned Paul in prison, Onesiphorus remained a faithful brother, loving and supporting Paul through his adversity.
Onesiphorus lived out the words of Ecclesiastes 4:9-10: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow.” While Paul had fallen into imprisonment, Onesiphorus lifted him up through refreshing fellowship and encouragement. The apostle was deeply grateful for his brotherly aid.
James 2:15-16 also comes to life through Onesiphorus: “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” Onesiphorus did more than wish Paul well in prison. He actively ministered to his unmet needs, bringing spiritual nourishment and comfort.
As a true friend, Onesiphorus went above and beyond to support Paul in affliction. His in-person care and refreshment undoubtedly uplifted Paul’s spirits during his Rome imprisonment. Onesiphorus’ legacy stands as an outstanding example of embodied friendship and practical aid when it was desperately needed.
Onesiphorus: An Intentional Encourager
Not only was Onesiphorus a faithful friend, he was also an intentional encourager to Paul in prison. Paul specifically describes how Onesiphorus “often refreshed me” during his distress (2 Timothy 1:16). To refresh means to revive, renew strength and spirit, or comfort.
Clearly, Onesiphorus made intentional efforts to encourage Paul regularly. His frequent refreshing visits brought welcome relief to Paul in the grim environment of prison. More than merely social calls, Onesiphorus purposefully went to lift Paul’s spirits and strengthen him in the faith.
Consider David’s words in Psalm 142 which similarly describe being refreshed by intentional encouragement: “Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low! Deliver me from my persecutors, for they are too strong for me! Bring me out of prison, that I may give thanks to your name! The righteous will surround me, for you will deal bountifully with me.”
Though Onesiphorus could not secure Paul’s release from prison, he faithfully fulfilled David’s desire for the righteous to surround and refresh him in his distress. As Hebrews 10:24-25 commands, Onesiphorus stimulated Paul to love and good deeds through regular encouragement.
The ministry of Onesiphorus highlights the importance and power of intentional encouragement. It can profoundly uplift and refresh someone going through affliction. Onesiphorus exemplifies how vital personal presence and comfort are in bringing hope to the suffering.
Onesiphorus: Selfless and Unashamed
Two other prominent qualities stand out about Onesiphorus – his selflessness and lack of shame. Out of love he diligently sought Paul out, then selflessly comforted him at personal cost. This required bravery as associating with an imprisoned Christian leader meant risking his own reputation and safety.
Yet Onesiphorus remained unashamed in his ministry to Paul. He courageously looked beyond social and political consequences to obey Christ’s command to remember the persecuted Christians in prison (Hebrews 13:3). Paul’s chains did not deter him from fulfilling his Christian duty.
In contrast, in 2 Timothy 1:15 Paul laments all those in Asia who turned away from him during his trials. The social stigma was too much for them to bear. But not for stalwart Onesiphorus who blatantly defied the shame of chains to stand by Paul.
As Romans 1:16 declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Clearly Onesiphorus shared this same bold conviction, never ashamed to identify with the suffering apostle. His faithful service highlights the importance of self-sacrifice paired with courage in standing with the oppressed.
Onesiphorus: An Example for All Believers
While Onesiphorus appears only briefly in Scripture, his shining legacy stands as an example for believers today. Paul highlights him among a tragic backdrop of abandonment – many in Asia turning away, no one standing by him, Demas forsaking him because of love for the present world (2 Timothy 1:15, 4:16).
But Onesiphorus proved the glorious exception – unwaveringly loyal to the end. His courageous service vividly illustrates Jesus’ teaching that “whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Service is greatness in God’s kingdom.
Paul also presents Onesiphorus as a model of faithfulness to spur Timothy forward in his own ministry. Surrounded by defections from the faith, Timothy needed examples like Onesiphorus to emulate.
Likewise, the witness of Onesiphorus encourages believers not to grow weary in doing good (Galatians 6:9). It inspires us to turn away from unfaithfulness and turn toward brave-hearted service to those in need. Through Onesiphorus, Scripture makes clear what Christ-centered devotion and loyalty look like in action.
The Reward of Onesiphorus’ Service
What motivated Onesiphorus to serve Paul so faithfully even at risk to himself? As a true believer, he looked expectantly toward his heavenly reward from Christ. As Jesus promised, “Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
In 2 Timothy 1:16-18, Paul notes how Onesiphorus “often refreshed me” and “was not ashamed of my chains.” In response, he prays that “may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day.” This “mercy” refers to the eternal reward Christ will grant at judgment for those, like Onesiphorus, who served Him faithfully.
As Paul confirms in 1 Corinthians 3:8, “He who plants and he who waters are one, and each will receive his wages according to his labor.” Onesiphorus planted and watered through his ministry to Paul. His reward awaits in heaven for this service. Christ himself taught that giving a cup of cold water to one in need merits eternal reward (Mark 9:41). How much more Onesiphorus’ sacrificial actions which so refreshed Paul in affliction.
Not only did Onesiphorus minister to Paul on earth, but his legacy continues bearing fruit today. His witness stands through Scripture as a testimony to millions of the virtues of courageous devotion to Christ and His people. May his example spur modern believers on to selfless and unashamed service.