How is it that Bible names so often reflect the character of the person? It's almost like it was planned that way. Take Onesiphorus for example. Try saying his names three times really fast! Onesiphorus means... "one bringing usefulness". It fits exactly with what Paul says about this intimate friend. Look at what he wrote,
May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus. (2 Timothy 1:16-18)
The “Onesiphorus type” of friend is who I want on my side. He too, is the type of person that I need to be. He saw a need and refreshed Paul. The word means also to "revive". He wasn't ashamed of his situation. Even though Paul's situation was a shameful one. Onesiphorus was there for him and revived him.
How did he come to Paul's aid? He didn't give up looking for him. He had to search hard for him. Back then Rome was a huge city. Onesiphorus had to inquire around, not just a few times but many times until he found Paul. Exactly what the aged Apostle needed at that difficult moment in his life. Paul would be dead within days and his eternal memory of Onesiphorus is recorded right there in your Bible. 2 Timothy 1:16-18. His example is easy to read and needs to be a part of our life plan. Who can you find and refresh someone today?
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