Saluting More Friends 2 Timothy 4:19

As Paul the apostle began to wind down his final words to Timothy his “dearly beloved son” and “son in the faith”, he named people who were part of the ministry of the gospel with him. In chapter four and verse nineteen, we see where Paul desired for Timothy to greet people who were with Timothy in Ephesus where we read:

Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.

The verse begins, “Salute Prisca and Aquila,...” Paul began with the word, “Salute” which means “greet, bid welcome and wish well to” “Prisca” whose name means “ancient” and was “a Christian woman who was the wife of Aquila” “and Aquila” whose name means “an eagle” and was “a Jew of Pontus who was a tent maker convert to Christ and companion and ally of Paul in propagating Christianity”. We can read more about them in The Acts of the Apostles chapter eighteen where Paul met them in Corinth, and they were used by the Lord to bring “Apollos” to a more clear understanding about Jesus.

The verse goes on to say, “...and the household of Onesiphorus.” Paul continued, “and the household” or “house and dwelling place” “of Onesiphorus” whose name means “bringing profit or profit bearer” and was a Christian brother to whom Paul referred in his first letter to Timothy who “often refreshed” Paul, and “was not ashamed of” Paul's “chain”. In other words, Paul wanted Timothy to greet “Onesiphorus” and his household as he remembered what “Onesiphorus” did for him in the past.

When we think about Paul's words, we can sense the closeness he had with these he greeted. The Lord often adds people to our lives who become very close in ministry. Though Paul mentioned those who had abandoned him, he now began to think of those who were instrumental and servant-like as he shared the gospel. No doubt “Prisca and Aquilla” were fondly remembered by Paul, and because they were near Timothy, he wanted them to be greeted. In addition, “Onesiphorus”, as well as those within his house, had ministered to Paul as he shared the gospel, and he desired for them to be greeted as well. Perhaps the Lord has added people of great value to our lives who have been helpful in our own sharing of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and maybe the inspiration of Paul to simply greet them will serve as a reminder to appreciate others as well. May the Lord bring to our minds people who are special to us, and may we be inspired to bid them well for being so.

Next time Paul shares concerning more people with whom he ministered, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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