Topical Bible: Love to Man: Onesiphorus

◄ Love to Man: Onesiphorus ►

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Onesiphorus is a notable figure in the New Testament, particularly recognized for his acts of kindness and love towards the Apostle Paul. His account is primarily found in the Second Epistle to Timothy, where Paul expresses deep gratitude for Onesiphorus's unwavering support during his imprisonment in Rome.

Biblical References:

1. 2 Timothy 1:16-18 : "May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that day. You know very well how many services he rendered in Ephesus."

2. 2 Timothy 4:19 : "Greet Prisca and Aquila, as well as the household of Onesiphorus."

Character and Actions:

Onesiphorus is depicted as a man of great compassion and courage. His love for Paul is demonstrated through his actions, as he "often refreshed" the apostle, providing comfort and support during a time of great need. This was no small feat, considering the stigma and danger associated with being associated with a prisoner of the Roman Empire. Onesiphorus's willingness to seek out Paul in Rome, a city vast and perilous, underscores his dedication and loyalty.

His actions are a testament to the Christian virtue of love, which is not merely an emotion but an active commitment to the well-being of others. Onesiphorus's love was practical and sacrificial, embodying the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens (Galatians 6:2).

Legacy and Impact:

The mention of Onesiphorus's household in Paul's greetings suggests that his family was also involved in the early Christian community, possibly sharing in his ministry of hospitality and service. The prayer for mercy upon his household indicates the high regard in which Paul held Onesiphorus and his family, recognizing their collective contribution to the faith.

Onesiphorus's example serves as an enduring model of Christian love and service. His account encourages believers to show kindness and support to those in distress, regardless of the personal cost or societal pressures. His life reflects the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 25:36 , "I was in prison and you visited Me," illustrating the profound impact of love in action.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, Onesiphorus's actions highlight the importance of community and mutual support within the body of Christ. His willingness to associate with Paul, despite the potential repercussions, demonstrates a profound understanding of Christian fellowship and the call to love one another as Christ loved us (John 13:34).

Moreover, Paul's prayer for Onesiphorus to "find mercy from the Lord on that day" suggests a belief in the eternal reward for those who faithfully serve others in the name of Christ. This reflects the biblical teaching that acts of love and service are not only valuable in this life but also have eternal significance.

In summary, Onesiphorus stands as a powerful example of love to man, embodying the Christian call to serve and support one another in faith and love. His account, though brief in the biblical narrative, leaves a lasting impression of the transformative power of love in the life of a believer.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Timothy 1:16-18
The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Acts of Paul and Thecla.
... and Thamyris made them drink, from his love to Thecla ... that the resurrection of which
this man speaks has ... up early, went to the house of Onesiphorus with archons ...
/.../unknown/acts of paul and thecla/acts of paul and thecla.htm

2 Timothy i. 13-18
... And if Onesiphorus, who exposed himself to danger, is ... account, and such as needs
great love for mankind ... He good and merciful, and full of lovingkindness to man? ...
/.../homily iii 2 timothy i.htm

Homilies on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philemon.
... offense to Nero, [3652]484; his prayer for Onesiphorus, [3653]485 ... Rich man, a, how
he can be good, [3774]448. ... to take hence with us, [3782]ib.; love of, cannot ...
/.../homilies on the epistles to.htm

At the Front or the Base
... though he did not fight, an 'Onesiphorus, who oft ... love to Christ, self-sacrifice,
devotion, love to men ... good stewards' thereof"'If any man speaketh, speaking ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture f/at the front or the.htm

Pastoral and Personal
... Onesiphorus had difficulty in finding him (2:Tim.1:16 ... instructions in regard to a
man's care for ... after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness ...
/.../sell/bible studies in the life of paul/study x pastoral and personal.htm

The Women of the Apostolic Age
... This man, who is described as "eloquent and mighty in ... would be seen that the labors
of love which were ... There he is received by Onesiphorus and Lectra his wife. ...
/.../brittain/women of early christianity/ii the women of the.htm

The Confessions of St. Augustin Index of Subjects
... early training and life of, [894]135, [895]136. her youthful love of wine,
[896]135. ... the natural man and the, [909]198. ... Onesiphorus, hospitality of, [963]203. ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/the confessions of st augustin.htm

2 Timothy iv. 13-Sep
... "Salute Priscilla and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.". ... conveyed a
demonstration of esteem and love, and a ... of that holy and blessed man was sufficient ...
/.../homily x 2 timothy iv.htm

The Revelation of St. John the Divine
... throne of God is no longer remote from man, but in ... Acts, Book of, 102 Agape, or
Love-feast, 139, 269 ... Onesimus of Colossae, 177 Onesiphorus of Ephesus, 206 Oral ...
/.../pullan/the books of the new testament/chapter xxv the revelation of.htm

The Epistles of Paul.
... growth of their Christian faith and love, and comforts ... appears to the contrary, a
young man in the ... the salutation to "the household of Onesiphorus," who was at ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxx the epistles of.htm