AM Bible Study Group; October 29, 2014
2 Timothy 1:15-18
Theme: Paul exhorts Timothy to faithfulness in times of suffering by reminding him of some personal examples.
(All Scripture is taken from The New King James Version, unless otherwise indicated).
A wise pastor studies books. But he is also wise to study people. As Paul exhorted Timothy in the first chapter of his letter to follow his own example of faithfully accepting the suffering of affliction for the gospel (see 1:8-12), he also points to the examples of others. The examples he offers are both good ones and bad ones; and there is something to be learned from both.
I. TWO EXAMPLES OF UNFAITHFULNESS (v. 15).
A. First, he points to two men that Timothy would have known; and writes, “This you know, that all those in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.” We know nothing for certain about these two men—except that, at a time when Paul needed them during his second imprisonment in Rome—they deserted him. Perhaps the fact that we know nothing about them today was because they chose to desert Paul in his time of need. In fact, the word that is used (apostrephō) means “to turn away” in a strong manner—to revolt against and to to reject. It seems that these two men were the opposite of what would be said later in this passage about the man Onesiphorus (v. 16)—that they were actually shied away from Paul’s imprisonment and sided with those who accused him. They may have done what Paul urged Timothy not to do in 1:8—that is, became ashamed of Paul’s testimony of the Lord Jesus and of him as the Lord’s prisoner.
B. How might this have happened? The persecution of the Christians under Nero—in which Paul himself was imprisoned and finally executed—was fearful and intense. With just a mere word of denial of Christ, many saved themselves great suffering—though at great loss. And it may be that these two men—who apparently were, at one time, close associates with Paul—chose to save themselves from suffering by denying Paul or standing with those who testified against him (see also 4:9-10). We can’t say for certain that this is the case; because we don’t know their full stories. Nor can we say for certain that their failure—for whatever reason—means that they were not Christians. We’re not told that they denied the Lord; but simply that they turned from Paul. Paul does not condemn them; but simply states the fact of their failure and leaves it at that. But because of their failure—whatever the nature of it may be—they became a reminder to Timothy of how easy it is to stumble in a time of persecution. We need to follow the counsel of Peter; “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy” (1 Peter 4:12-13).
II. ONE EXAMPLE OF GREAT FAITHFULNESS (vv. 16-18).
A. Paul tells Timothy of two failures. But he doesn’t leave the matter there. When teaching through the example of a failure, it’s wise to follow it up with an example of a success. He writes; “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus.” Why is it that, instead of calling a blessing on this man Onesiphorus himself, Paul calls a blessing on his household (see also 4:19)? We can’t say for certain; but it may be because Onesiphorus was no longer living. He may have laid down his life for his service to Paul. If this is the case, then what an example of full devotion to Christ this man Onesiphorus proved to be!
B. Notice what it was that Onesiphorus did.
- First, notice that he diligently sought Paul out—somewhere in a Roman prison–and found him. Just as the other two men had turned away from Paul, this man sought Paul until he found him. Asking questions about where Paul was, and inquiring until he found him, probably put this man at great risk. But he was not ashamed of Paul’s chain. He did as it says in Hebrews 13:3; “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”
- Notice also that, having found Paul, he “often refreshed” him. The word for “refreshed” suggest the bringing of ‘fresh air’ to Paul’s soul. And Onesiphorus not only did this once, but often. He was willing to take the risk of repeated association with Paul, and the meeting of his needs repeatedly—even though such an association may cost him his life. What an encouragement it must have been to Paul to see Onesiphorus come and visit him in his time of trouble! What an example of sacrificial love he is!
- Notice further that he ministered in Ephesus in many ways, and in such a manner that Timothy would have known “very well” about it. Timothy was, after all, called to minister in Ephesus himself (1 Timothy 1:3). The New King James Version has it that Onesiphorus ministered to Paul; but the phrase “to me” is not found in the original text. (The English Standard Version simply translates it, “and you well know all the service he rendered in Ephsesus.”) It may be that Onesiphorus was part of the leadership team at that church that served under Paul. Or it may be that he simply ministered in the church under Paul’s or Timothy’s leadership. In any case, Timothy’s close association with this man caused Timothy to know—in a very personal way—how faithful and sacrificial he was to the cause of Christ.
C. And notice how Paul blesses this man. He asks that the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus’ household (v. 16). This may be because Onesiphorus was martyred; and only his household was left—in need of God’s mercy in their bereavement. And as for Onesiphorus, he asks that the Lord grant him mercy on “that Day”. The “Day” that Paul speaks of is the same one he himself hoped in when he wrote, “Finally there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing” (1 Timothy 4:8). To speak of “that Day” in this manner in reference to Onesiphorus strongly suggest that he had laid down his life for the Lord. And if that’s so, then Paul’s blessing was not a request. It was an affirmation!
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Notice, then, how Paul begins the next chapter; “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus” (2:1). Timothy is urged to be strong by (1) learning from the failures of others; and (2) being inspired by the faithfulness of a great example.
May God help us to learn to look to the examples He places around us—both of the failures and of the success stories; and to be inspired to faithful devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ in our own day—even to the very end.