Let's Go Back to the Bible

Onesiphorus’ Air Conditioning Business Is Hiring!

Knowing that his life was going to be taken in the not-too-distant future (2 Tim. 4:6), Paul took time to think about and wish God’s mercy upon a man who is virtually unknown to us. “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus” (2 Tim. 1:16). What did this man do that captured Paul’s attention? More so, what did he do that captured the Holy Spirit’s attention?

Onesiphorus “often refreshed” Paul (1:16). The word literally means “to make cool again.” Ralph Earle wrote, “When Onesiphorus came to see Paul in the stuffy dungeon, it was as if the air conditioning had been turned on!” The presence of his friend, while Paul was in a Roman prison, made a huge difference. Additionally, we learn that when Onesiphorus “arrived in Rome” to minister to Paul, he “very zealously” searched for Paul until (and without stopping short) he found him. Onesiphorus was fully determined to render service unto his brother!

What kind of friend are you? Is your presence like air conditioning on a humid day?