What a Guy!

In his second recorded epistle to Timothy, Paul spoke of a man by the name of Onesiphorus–say that one three times fast. Onesiphorus wasn’t a Paul, Peter, or even James–characters frequently referred to in Scripture. However, he was important. I know he was important because God thought enough of him to record his name and his deeds in the Book of books.

Here’s what Paul said about Onesiphorus:

The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well (2 Tim. 1:16-18).

I love character studies. Don’t you? This is a great one. When you read the short text above, what were some things that came to mind about this lesser known Bible character? Here are some that I see:

#1 Onesiphorus was an encourager–“He oft refreshed me”.

#2 Onesiphorus was not a spiritual coward–“was not ashamed of my chain”.

#3 Onesiphorus was diligent in looking for opportunities to do good–“he sought me out very diligently, and found me”.

#4 Onesiphorus was one who tired himself in ministry–“in how many things he ministered unto me”.

These are just four that come to mind in a cursory reading, and when I read it again, I find more. But for now, this will suffice.

Onesiphorus was quite a Christian. There’s not a single thing in the life of Onesiphorus that we read here that could not be said about us.

Do you encourage those who are discouraged?

Do you stand for what’s right, even when it’s not popular or might potentially cost you your so-called friends?

Are you constantly on the lookout for good works to support and be involved with?

When you come to the end of a day, have you worn yourself out in the work of the Lord?

May God bless us to be more like Onesiphorus.

I hope you have a terrific Monday!

–Neil Richey