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
general and then to the specific.
The apostle mentions the constancy 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
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
[meaning very serious] day, and may be emphatically
called that day.
2. We need desire no more to make us happy than to
find mercy of the Lord in that day, when those that
have shown no mercy will have judgment without
mercy.
3. The best Christians will want mercy in that day;
looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, Jude
1:21.
4. If you would have mercy then, you must seek for
it now of the Lord.
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 of the Lord in that day,
when they must pass out of time into eternity, and
exchange this world for the other, and appear before
the judgment-seat of Christ: the Lord then grant
unto all of us that we may find mercy of the Lord in
that day.
Quoted verse:
Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the
mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.
Notice the commentary on Jude 1:21
Keep yourselves in the
love of God - Still adverting to
their own agency. On the duty here enjoined,
see the notes at John 15:9. The phrase “the
love of God” may mean either God’s love to
us, or our love to him. The latter appears,
however, to be the sense here, because it is
not a subject which could be enjoined, that
we should keep up “God’s love to us.” That
is a point over which we can have no
control, except so far as it may be the
result of our obedience; but we may be
commanded to love him, and to “keep”
ourselves in that love.
Quoted verse:
John 15:9
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved
you: continue ye in my love.
Looking for the mercy
of our Lord Jesus Christ -
Particularly when he shall come to receive
his people to himself. See the Titus 2:13; 2
Peter 3:12; 2 Timothy 4:8.
~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
Titus 2:13
Looking for that blessed hope, and the
glorious appearing of the great God and our
Saviour Jesus Christ;
2 Peter 3:12
Looking for and hasting unto the coming of
the day of God, wherein the heavens being on
fire shall be dissolved, and the elements
shall melt with fervent heat?
2 Timothy 4:8
[see
Lesson]
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown
of righteousness, which the Lord, the
righteous judge, shall give me at that day:
and not to me only, but unto all them also
that love his appearing. |
Now to the specific commentaries.
This verse is primarily handled in two parts:
1] The Lord grant unto him that he
may find mercy of the Lord in that day
2] And in how many things he ministered unto me at
Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
1] The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy
of the Lord in that day
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of
the Lord in that day - The day of judgment; notes at
2 Timothy 1:12. This proves that Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus],
was then alive, as Paul would not offer prayer for
him if he was dead. The Papists, indeed, argue from
this in favor of praying for the dead - assuming
from 2 Timothy 4:19, that Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus],
was then dead. But there is no evidence of that. The
passage in 2 Timothy 4:19, would prove only that he
was then absent from his family. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
2 Timothy 1:12 [see
Lesson]
For the which cause I also suffer these things:
nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I
have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to
keep that which I have committed unto him against
that day.
2 Timothy 4:19 [see
Lesson]
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of
Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus].
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of
the Lord - Some think that this is a prayer to God
the Father to communicate grace to him, that he
might find mercy in the great day at the hand of
Jesus Christ the Judge. It is probably only a
Hebraism for, God grant that he may here be so saved
by Divine grace, that in the great day he may
receive the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ unto
eternal life.
It is impossible to read this chapter over without
feeling deeply interested for this most noble and
amiable of men. To what trials did God expose him!
His life was a life of perils and tribulations, his
labors were superabundant, and his success all but
incredible. Wherever he went, he left a track of
light and life behind him. To him, as the grand
instrument of God, the Gentiles, the whole habitable
world, owe their salvation. Yet see him, in his old
age, neglected by his friends, apparently forsaken
of God, and abandoned to the hands of ruthless men;
in prison and in chains; triumphing over sufferings
and death; perfectly unshaken, unstumbled, with the
evils with which he is obliged to contend, having
the fullest persuasion of the truth of the doctrines
which he had preached, and the strongest and most
encouraging anticipation of the glory that was about
to be revealed. He felt no evil, and he feared none.
Sin had lost its power, and death its sting; the
grave its victory, and hell its horrors. He had the
happiness which heathenism spoke of, but could not
attain, because it knew not the great Source whence
it must proceed. This God he knew, feared, loved,
obeyed, and was happy.
No murmur is heard from his heart; he is persuaded
that all things work together for good to them that
love God; the miserable uncertainty of friendship,
the defection of cowardly brethren, and the apostasy
of once zealous professors, did not move him. As far
as it is lawful, he courts death, knowing that to be
absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Glorious system of truth by which such an apostle
was formed! and glorious apostle by whom this system
was illustrated and confirmed! The character and
conduct of St. Paul must make Christianity doubly
amiable to believers and highly respectable even to
its enemies. ~Adam Clarke
The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of
the Lord in that day - In return for his diligent
seeking till he found the apostle. By "mercy", he
means the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto
eternal life; or that crown of righteousness and
everlasting glory and happiness, which will be a
grant from the Lord, or a free gift through Jesus
Christ; the effect of pure grace and mercy, and not
of merit. The apostle does not propose to requite
him himself; he knew it was out of his power; but he
had an interest in the Lord, and at the throne of
grace; and he makes use of that in his favour, and
prays the Lord that he might find mercy of him: and
the meaning is either, that he prayed to God, that
he might find mercy of him; or he prayed
particularly to the Lord Jesus Christ to act the
part of a Mediator for him with his Father, that he
might enjoy eternal life through him; or he prayed
to God the Father, that he would grant that he might
find mercy at the hands of Jesus Christ his Son, the
Judge of quick and dead, who, at the great and last
day, will give the crown of righteousness to all
that love him, and his appearance: ~John Gill
2] And in how many things he ministered unto me
at Ephesus, thou knowest very well.
And in how many things he ministered unto me at
Ephesus - This was the home of Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus],
and his family was still there; 2 Timothy 4:19 [quoted
above]. When Paul was at Ephesus, it would seem
that Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus], had
showed him great kindness. His affection for him did
not change when he became a prisoner. True
friendship, and especially that which is based on
religion, will live in all the vicissitudes [vi-sis-i-tood
- change] of fortune, whether we are in
prosperity or adversity; whether in a home of
plenty, or in a prison.
This chapter is full of interest, and may suggest
many interesting reflections. We see:
(1) A holy man imprisoned and about to die. He had
nearly finished his course, and had the prospect of
soon departing.
(2) he was forsaken by his friends, and left to bear
his sorrows alone. They on whom he might have
relied, had left him; and to all his outward
sufferings, there was added this, one of the keenest
which his Master endured before him, that his
friends forsook him, and left him to bear his
sorrows alone.
(3) yet his mind is calm, and his faith in the
gospel is unshaken. He expresses no regret that he
had embraced the gospel; no sorrow that he had been
so zealous in it as to bring these calamities upon
himself. That gospel he still loves, and his great
solicitude is, that his young friend may never
shrink from avowing it, though it may call him also
to pass through scenes of persecution and sorrow.
(4) in the general apostasy, the turning away of
those on whom he might have relied, it is refreshing
and interesting, to find mention made of one
unshaken friend; 2 Timothy 1:16. He never swerved in
his affections. He had been kind to him in former
years of comparative honor, and he did not leave him
now in the dark day of adversity. It is always
interesting to find true friendship in this world -
friendship that survives all reverses, and that is
willing to manifest itself when the great mass turn
coldly away. There is such a thing as friendship,
and there is such a thing as religion, and when they
meet and mingle in the same heart, the one
strengthens the other; and then neither persecution,
nor poverty, nor chains, will prevent our doing good
to him who is in prison and is about to die; see the
notes at 2 Timothy 4:16. ~Barnes Notes
Quoted verses:
2 Timothy 1:16 [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:
2 Timothy 4:16 [see
Lesson]
At my first answer no man stood with me, but all men
forsook me: I pray God that it may not be laid to
their charge.
And in how many things he ministered unto me at
Ephesus, thou knowest very well - or "better".
Timothy being at Ephesus, of which city Onesiphorus
[On·e·siph'o·rus] seems to have been, and
that when the apostle was there, he very freely
communicated to him, as Timothy, who was with him
there, knew very well: the apostle does not forget,
but remembers former kindnesses, as well as takes
notice of present favors, and which shows a grateful
mind. The phrase, "unto me", is not in the Greek
copies, though it is in the Vulgate Latin and in all
the Oriental versions; wherefore the words may be
understood of the things which Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
had ministered to Timothy, and to the church at
Ephesus, and to the poor saints there; which Timothy
was "better" acquainted with than the apostle could
be, he being on the spot: and now since there were
so many fallen off, and so few that remained hearty
and faithful, but one Onesiphorus [On·e·siph'o·rus]
to all them that were in Asia; the apostle exhorts
to firmness and constancy, in a dependence on the
Spirit and grace of God, as follows. ~John Gill |