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"The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus..."

Text: 2 Timothy 1:16

LEARNING TO BE DISCERNING

The Apostle Paul was always candid in his approach to life and ministry. Where he was disappointed with people who deserted him, he chose to be frank and open with Timothy. It was important that Timothy learns how to be discerning when it comes to life and ministry. There may be some who may appear to be promising and wholesome. Yet in the final analysis they prove to be false and unworthy.

On the other hand, there were those who were outstanding in their life and ministry. These ought to be noted and commended!

“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.”
2 Timothy 1:16-17

1. “Onesiphorus”

a) He stood out in Paul’s estimation.

b) Reasons for this high note of praise:-

i) He brought much cheer to Paul.

ii) On many occasions his company was so refreshing and uplifting.

iii) He was not ashamed to be associated with Paul (while others fled from him).

c) Special ministry to Paul in Rome:-

i) Rome was a large city.

ii) When Onesiphorus arrived in Rome he made every effort to seek Paul out.

iii) He searched diligently for Paul and finally located him in a Roman prison.

iv) He went out of his way to minister to Paul when he was in prison.

2. “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus”

a) Paul was in actual fact pronouncing a blessing upon Onesiphorus for his kindness.

b) This blessing would extend to his household.

c) The blessing of “mercy”

i) Because Onesiphorus showed much mercy to Paul.

ii) His reward would be to receive the mercy of the Lord.

3. The Beatitude of Mercy

This text reminds us of what the Lord Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount.

“Blessed are the merciful,
For they shall obtain mercy.”
Matthew 5:7