This final section of chapter 1 has four
verses:
2 Timothy 1:15-18
15 This thou knowest, that all they which are in
Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus
and Hermogenes [huhr-MOJ-uh-neez].
16 The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus];
for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my
chain:
17 But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very
diligently, and found me.
18 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.
We will begin, as we often do, with the Barclay
commentary.
THE FAITHLESS MANY AND
THE FAITHFUL ONE
2 Timothy 1:15–18
...paraphrased of the
verses
You know this, that as a whole the people who live
in Asia deserted me, and among the deserters are
Phygelus [fĭ-jĕl'ŭs]
and Hermogenes [huhr-MOJ-uh-neez].
May the Lord give mercy to the family of Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus],
because he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed
of my chain. So far from that, when he arrived in
Rome he eagerly sought me out and found me – may the
Lord grant to him mercy from the Lord on that day –
and you know better than I do the many services he
rendered in Ephesus.
HERE is a passage in which pathos [pity,
suffering] and joy are combined. In the
end, the same thing happened to Paul as happened to
Jesus, his Master. His friends forsook him and fled.
In the New Testament, Asia is not the continent of
Asia, but the Roman province which consisted of the
western part of Asia Minor. Its capital was the city
of Ephesus. When Paul was imprisoned, his friends
abandoned him – most probably out of fear. The
Romans would never have proceeded against him on a
purely religious charge; the Jews must have
persuaded them that he was a dangerous troublemaker
and disturber of the public peace. There can be no
doubt that in the end Paul would be held on a
political charge. To be a friend of a man like that
was dangerous, and in his hour of need his friends
from Asia abandoned him because they were afraid for
their own safety.
But, although others deserted Paul, one man was
loyal to the end. His name was Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus],
which means profitable. In his book, The Problem of
the Pastoral Epistles, P. N. Harrison draws a vivid
picture of Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]’
search for Paul in Rome: ‘We seem to catch glimpses
of one purposeful face in a drifting crowd, and
follow with quickening interest this stranger from
the far coasts of the Aegean {ih-JEE-uhn],
as he threads the maze of unfamiliar streets,
knocking at many doors, following up every clue,
warned of the risks he is taking but not to be
turned from his quest; till in some obscure
prison-house a known voice greets him, and he
discovers Paul chained to a Roman soldier. Having
once found his way Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
is not content with a single visit, but, true to his
name, proves unwearied in his ministrations. Others
have flinched from the menace and ignominy [ig-nuh-min-ee--disrepute]
of that chain; but this visitor counts it the
supreme privilege of his life to share with such a
criminal the reproach of the [Stake].
One series of turnings in the vast labyrinth (of
the streets of Rome) he comes to know as
if it were his own Ephesus.’ There is no doubt that,
when Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
sought out Paul and came to see him again and again,
he took his life in his hands. It was dangerous to
keep asking where a certain criminal could be found;
it was dangerous to visit him; it was still more
dangerous to keep on visiting him; but that is what
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
did.
Again and again, the Bible brings us face to face
with a question which is real for every one of us.
Again and again, it introduces and dismisses a man
from the stage of history with a single sentence.
Hermogenes [huhr-MOJ-uh-neez]
and Phygelus [fĭ-jĕl'ŭs]
– we know nothing whatever of them beyond their
names and the fact that they were traitors to Paul.
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
– we know nothing of him except that in his loyalty
to Paul he risked – and perhaps lost – his life.
Hermogenes [huhr-MOJ-uh-neez]
and Phygelus [fĭ-jĕl'ŭs]
go down in history branded as deserters; Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus]
goes down in history as the friend who stuck closer
than a brother. If we were to be described in one
sentence, what would it be? Would it be the verdict
on a traitor, or the verdict on a disciple who was
true? ~Barclay commentary
Now to the other commentaries. First, the
Matthew Henry commentaries.
The apostle mentions the constancy [faithfulness,
loyalty, steadfastness] of Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus];
he oft refreshed him with his letters, and counsels,
and comforts, and was not ashamed of him. A good man
will seek to do good. The day of death and judgment
is an awful day. And if we would have mercy then, we
must seek for it now of the Lord. The best we can
ask, for ourselves or our friends, is, that the Lord
will grant that we and they may find mercy of the
Lord, when called to pass out of time into eternity,
and to appear before the judgment seat of Christ.
~Matthew Henry Concise
Note:
1] a firstfruit is faithful, loyal and manifests
steadfastness to God and the gospel message.
2] if a firstfruit would desire mercy in the moment
of judgment, he/she should be seeking it now. This
is what we do daily in the Salvation Process.
3] the mercy spoken of God here has already been
granted by virtue of our calling and placement in
the Salvation Process.
4] firstfruits are currently before the judgment
seat of Christ.
Now to the Matthew Henry Main. You will notice
that I had to do some editing of this commentary.
The Matthew Henry has the concepts of mercy and
judgment correct but were not always accurate in the
wording of their statement.
Having (2 Timothy
1:13-14) exhorted Timothy to hold fast.
I. He mentions the apostasy of many from the
doctrine of Christ, 2 Timothy 1:15.
It seems, in the best and purest ages of the church,
there were those that had embraced the Christian
faith, and yet afterwards revolted from it, nay,
there were many such. He does not say that they had
turned away from the doctrine of Christ (though
it should seem they had) but they had
turned away from him, they had turned their backs
upon him, and disowned him in the time of his
distress. And should we wonder at it, when many
turned their backs on a much better than Paul? I
mean the Lord Jesus Christ, John 6:66.
Quoted verses:
2 Timothy 1:13-14
[See
Lesson-v13; See
Lesson-v14]
13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou
hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in
Christ Jesus.
14 That good thing which was committed unto thee
keep by the Holy Ghost [Spirit]
which dwelleth in us.
2 Timothy 1:15
[See
Lesson]
This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia
be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus [fĭ-jĕl'ŭs]
and Hermogenes [huhr-MOJ-uh-neez].
John 6:66
From that time many of his disciples went back, and
walked no more with him.
II. He mentions the constancy of one that adhered
to him, namely, Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]:
For he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of
my chain, 2 Timothy 1:16. Observe,
1. What kindness Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
had shown to Paul: he refreshed him, he often
refreshed him with his letters, and counsels, and
comforts, and he was not ashamed of his chains. He
was not ashamed of him, not withstanding the
disgrace he was now under. He was kind to him not
once or twice, but often; not only when he was at
Ephesus among his own friends, but when Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus]
was at Rome; he took care to seek Paul out very
diligently, and found him, 2 Timothy 1:17. Observe,
A good man [firstfruits]
will seek opportunities of doing good, and will not
shun any that offer. At Ephesus he had ministered to
him, and been very kind to him: Timothy knew it.
2. How Paul returns his kindness, 2 Timothy 1:16-18.
He that receives a prophet shall have a prophet's
reward. He repays him with his prayers: The Lord
give mercy to Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus].
It is probable that Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
was now absent from home, and in company with Paul;
Paul therefore prays that his house might be kept
during his absence.
Quoted verses:
2 Timothy 1:16-18
16 [see
Lesson] The Lord give mercy unto the house of
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus];
for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my
chain:
17 [see
Lesson] But, when he was in Rome, he sought me
out very diligently, and found me.
18 [see
Lesson] 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.
III. He prays for Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
himself, as well as for his house: That he may find
mercy in that day, in the day of death and of
judgment, when Christ will account all the good
offices done to his poor members as done to himself.
Observe,
1. The day of death and judgment is an awful day,
and may be emphatically called that day [the
day Christ returns].
Note: Not an awful day for a firstfruit.
Faithful firstfruits are never fearful of judgment.
They are in judgment daily.
2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to
find mercy of the Lord in that day [and
now], when those that have shown no mercy
will have judgment without mercy.
3. The [faithful]
Christians will want mercy in that day; looking for
the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Note: Clearly they are looking for mercy
everyday in the Salvation Process.
4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for
it now of the Lord.
Note:
Clearly we do this daily in the Salvation Process.
5. It is of and from the Lord that we must have
mercy; for, unless the Lord has mercy on us, in vain
will be the pity and compassion of men or angels.
6. We are to seek and ask for mercy of the Lord, who
is the giver and bestower of it; for the Lord Jesus
Christ has satisfied justice, that mercy might be
displayed. We are to come to a throne of grace, that
we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in the
time of need.
7. The best thing we can seek, either for ourselves
or our friends, is that the Lord will grant to them
that they may find mercy [now
and through to that day], when they must
pass out of time into eternity, and exchange this
world for the other, [having
appeared] before the judgment-seat of
Christ [in the Salvation
Process]: the Lord then grant unto all of
us that we may find mercy of the Lord in that day.
~Matthew Henry Main
Recap of what we read in the Matthew Henry Main.
1] throughout the history of the church, there have
been falsely converted, backsliders, fallen and
falling away and those crept in unawares.
2] several in the church, since Acts 2, have had
supposed brethren turning their backs on them and
even persecuting them and/or seeking to having them
put out of the church and/or their duty positions.
3] in verse 16, God is specifically giving us the
name of a firstfruit who is our example of what a
faithful firstfruit is.
4] we see a firstfruit giving comfort to a minister
and apostle of Jesus Christ.
5] Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus] practiced
fervency, diligence and zeal.
6] the, "day of judgment" is actually the moment of
judgment for all firstfruits. The moment Christ
returns is the culmination of that judgment.
7] firstfruits look for Godly mercy all through
their lives in the Salvation Process. The Salvation
Process is a place of mercy.
8] mercy comes from the Lord.
9] we are to ask God for mercy on a continuing
basis. We are to do this with boldness.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to
help in time of need.
Now to the specific commentaries. The verse is
generally in three parts.
1] The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus];
2] For he oft refreshed me.
3] And was not ashamed of my chain.
1] The Lord give mercy unto the house of
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus].
The Lord give mercy — even as ONESIPHORUS [On·e·siph'o·rus]
had abounded in works of mercy. ~Jamieson, Fausset,
Brown
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus -
The family of Onesiphorus - for so the word house is
often used. He was himself still living 2 Timothy
1:18, but not improbably then absent from his home;
compare the notes at 2 Timothy 4:19. He was
evidently of Asia, and is the only one who is
mentioned from that region who had showed the
apostle kindness in his trials. He is mentioned only
in this Epistle, and nothing more is known of him.
The record is entirely honorable to him, and for his
family the apostle felt a warm interest on account
of the kindness which he had showed to him in
prison. The ecclesiastical traditions also state
that he was one of the seventy disciples. But there
is no evidence of this. There is much force in the
remark of the Editor of the Pictorial Bible, that
“the pretended lists of the 70 disciples seem to
have been made out on the principle of including all
the names incidentally mentioned in the sacred
books, and not otherwise appropriated.” ~Barnes
Notes
Quoted verse:
2 Timothy 1:18 [See
Lesson]
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 Timothy 4:19 [See
Lesson]
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus].
The Lord give mercy - Onesiphorus had acknowledged
him, and continued to do so; he, and his house, or
family, ministered to him in prison, and were not
ashamed of their imprisoned pastor, nor of the cause
for which he was in disgrace and suffering. As he
showed mercy to the apostle, the apostle prays the
Lord to show mercy to him. ~Adam Clarke
The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
- Who seems to have been one of Asia, and of
Ephesus, and is an exception from the general
apostasy, or from those that turned away from the
apostle; and therefore he prays that the Lord would
show mercy to his family; that he would give
regenerating grace and mercy to such of them as were
without it, or pardoning grace and mercy, or the
great mercy of eternal life and salvation by Christ;
and this doubtless was a prayer in faith, upon the
promises of God, and upon instances and examples, in
which God has remarkably shown mercy to the families
of good men, who have faithfully served him, and
abode in his interest in times of trouble; thus the
house of Obed Edom was blessed for the sake of the
ark, that was taken care of by them; the reasons of
this prayer and good wishes follow. ~John Gill
2] For he oft refreshed me.
The house of Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus] —
He himself was then absent from Ephesus, which
accounts for the form of expression (2 Timothy
4:19). His household would hardly retain his name
after the master was dead, as Bengel supposes him to
have been. Nowhere has Paul prayers for the dead,
which is fatal to the theory, favored by Alford
also, that he was dead. God blesses not only the
righteous man himself, but all his household.
~Jamieson, Fausset, Brown
For he oft refreshed me - That is, showed me
kindness, and ministered to my needs. ~Barnes
Notes
For he oft refreshed me - both with his Christian
visits, and spiritual conversation, which to the
apostle, in the heat of his affliction and
persecution, were like a fan in hot weather, cooling
and reviving, as the word signifies; and also by
supplying him with the necessaries of life, as food
and raiment, or money to purchase them with. He
answered to his name, which signifies, "one that
brings profit": he is said to be one of the seventy
disciples. ~John Gill
3] And was not ashamed of my chain.
And was not ashamed of my chain. — Paul in the
second, as in his first imprisonment, was bound by a
chain to the soldier who guarded him. ~Jamieson,
Fausset, Brown
And was not ashamed of my chain - Was not ashamed to
be known as a friend of one who was a prisoner on
account of religion. Paul was bound with a chain
when a prisoner at Rome; Philippians 1:13-14,
Philippians 1:16; Colossians 4:3, Colossians4:18;
Philemon 1:10 [all these verse speaking to his
bonds]. ~Barnes Notes
And was not ashamed of my chain - the Syriac version
adds, "with which I am bound"; in which he lay, or
by which he was held, and led by a soldier.
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus] was not ashamed
of the apostle, though he was bound with a chain;
nor was he ashamed of the cause for which he
suffered: and the apostle proposes him to Timothy,
as an example worthy of imitation, in those times of
defection. ~John Gill
The primary message here is be like Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus] and this is the lesson of
verse 16. |