Onesiphorus Seeking 2 Timothy 1:17

“Onesiphorus” whose name means “bringing profit” was mentioned by Paul the apostle as he wrote his final words to Timothy because he was the only man who did not abandon him when he was in the prison of Rome for sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul desired to bless “Onesiphorus” as he wrote, “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:”. In chapter one and verse seventeen of this final letter written by Paul, Paul told Timothy how “Onesiphorus” looked “diligently” for him “when he was in Rome”. We read:

But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

The verse begins, “But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently,...” Paul began this verse with the word, “But” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was previously written or “in contrast to, with exception and nevertheless” “when he was” or “as Onesiphorus made an appearance, came into or passed through” “in Rome” which means “strength” and “was the capital city of Italy and capital of the famous ancient world” “he sought me out” which is the Greek phrase “zēteō me zēteō” and means “seek in order to find, seek for or after, aim for, require, crave and demand” “very diligently” or “earnestly and promptly”. Not only did “Onesiphorus” desire to find Paul, but he made a passionate and determined effort to discover where he was.

The verse continues, “...and found me.” Paul concludes this verse with this short phrase, “and found me” or “came upon, met, acquired, got, obtained and procured” an audience with Paul. Not only did “Onesiphorus” have the passion and desire to discover where Paul was, but he accomplished what he set out to do.

When we meditate upon Paul's words in this verse, his phrase may seem rather simple at first glance. “Onesiphorus” desired to find Paul, and he did. However, if we allow ourselves to imagine Onesiphorus' original thought, internal drive, planning, pursuing and unabated passion and willingness without regard to himself to discover where Paul was located, we may be more impressed with “Onesiphorus” than we originally thought. Have we ever pursued anything as passionately as “Onesiphorus” “sought” Paul? Are we willing without regard to our own safety and security to lay our lives on the line simply to find another person in their time of need? No doubt “Onesiphorus” had an important relationship with Paul the apostle that went beyond his desire for self-preservation, and unlike the others who abandoned Paul, when Paul was in trouble, “Onesiphorus” came to his aid. May our desire be for the Lord Jesus to put within us a passion to be as fervent as “Onesiphorus” to seek out others when they are in need.

Next time Paul tells Timothy his desire for “Onesiphorus”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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