Free Bible Commentary
“2 Timothy 1:15-18”
Categories: 2 Timothy“You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains; but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me—the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.”
---End of Scripture verses---
While Paul was in prison, there were some men who could have helped him, but refused. There was also at least one other brother who went out of his way to seek Paul out and assist him in his time of need. This letter was likely written during the time of Emperor Nero’s reign of terror against Christians, and Paul was the subject of the wrath of that place and time. He had been imprisoned for his faith and was soon to be executed for the cause of Christ.
It seems that Phygelus and Hermogenes were ashamed of the Gospel and Paul, the Lord’s prisoner, and cowered away from the possible repercussions of associating with the word and the messenger. On the other hand, Onesiphorus proved himself to be courageous and faithful, for he was not willing to sacrifice his eternal soul in order to save his own neck (Matthew 16:25). We have our faith tested every day of our lives. But it is in times like these, when Satan really turns the heat up, that we prove the strength of our metal.
I love the fact that Paul called these brethren out by name. These were real people confronted with real-life situations and difficult decisions, and not just statistics on a piece of paper. These were brethren whose names were written in the Lamb’s book of life. I pray that the Lord had mercy on Phygelus and Hermogenes, and that they turned from the errors of their way. I thank the Lord for people like Onesiphorus, and I want to have lived my life like he did when I stand before the Lord on Judgment Day.
Onesiphorus “eagerly searched” for Paul in his time of crisis. He went out of his way to help a brother, a friend, a person in need. Let’s strive to be like that. Let’s go above and beyond in our service to the Lord and our fellowman. There is no better form of existence than that of a servant in the eyes of the Lord. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Humble yourself to be exalted!!!
Please read 2 Timothy 2:1-7 for tomorrow.
Have a super day!
- Louie Taylor
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