CRITICAL AND EXPLANATORY NOTES
2 Timothy 1:15. Turned away from me.—This does not mean that they had departed from the place where he was, but that they had turned away their faces from him.
2 Timothy 1:16. The Lord give mercy.—This expression is not found again in the New Testament. The supposition that Onesiphorus was dead, and that therefore we have here warrant for praying for the dead, seems to overlook that St. Paul does not ask God to show mercy to Onesiphorus alone, but to his house. Surely all were not dead! He oft refreshed me.—The word properly means “to cool again.” Like a breath of sweet cool air to a fever-ridden patient, or a draught of spring water to a dust-covered and hot traveller, so had the visits of Onesiphorus been to Paul in his confinement.
2 Timothy 1:17. Very diligently.—Alford translates the comparative form “with more diligence than could have been expected.” R.V. says simply “diligently.”
2 Timothy 1:18. Hay find mercy.—Apparently a play on words. “He found me; may he find mercy.” The best key, perhaps, is to contrast 2 Timothy 4:16, where the apostle indulges the charitable hope that the fickle friends who deserted him at his sorest need may not have to answer for it. Thou knowest very well.—Lit. “thou knowest it better” (than there is any need to say it).
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— 2 Timothy 1:15-18
The Good Man in Trouble—
I. Is pained by the desertion of former friends (2 Timothy 1:15).—Phygellus and Hermogenes and other Christians of Asia Minor had probably been asked to interest themselves in Paul’s case, or to render some service to him; but they refused, and did not even show sympathy with him in his trouble. Some of the Asian brethren had escorted him on his way to Rome as far as Nicopolis; but when he was apprehended in that place, they turned away from him, not willing to risk the perils of being connected with Paul the prisoner. The desertion of a friend is all the more keenly felt when we are in difficulties, and when we recall his former kindnesses.
II. Is cheered by one conspicuous example of proved fidelity (2 Timothy 1:16-18).—In contrast with the fickleness of others Paul mentions the devotion and generosity of Onesiphorus, who so far from being ashamed of the prisoner sought him out diligently, and ministered to the apostle’s wants in Rome, as he had done before in Ephesus. One friend in adversity is an unspeakable comfort, and the distressed heart clings to him with the greater tenacity. There are times when we are completely thrown back upon the one Friend who is above all others, and who never fails us in our extremity.
III. Breathes a fervent prayer for the man who ministered sympathy and help.—“The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus.… The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day” (2 Timothy 1:16; 2 Timothy 1:18). On the assumption that Onesiphorus was dead when this prayer was uttered, a fierce controversy has raged round these words in favour of prayers for the dead. If we admit that Onesiphorus was dead, this prayer can mean nothing more than that God will have mercy at the day of judgment on those who have done good to us and others during their life on earth, which is a very different thing from the prayers for the dead which are advocated and practised by a certain school. But it cannot be satisfactorily proved that Onesiphorus was dead at the time these words were written. His household would not retain his name after the master was dead; and we have no example of Paul praying for the dead. God blesses not only the good man himself, but all his household; and it is a natural and appropriate prayer that God would show mercy to those who have shown mercy to us in our sufferings and need.
Lessons.—
1. The good are not exempt from trouble.
2. Trouble tests the reality of professed friendship.
3. In his greatest trouble the good man is not utterly forsaken.
GERM NOTES ON THE VERSES
2 Timothy 1:16. Onesiphorus.
I. The conduct of Onesiphorus.—
1. He visited the apostle in prison.
2. He refreshed him by his conversation.
3. He made common cause with him.
4. On other occasions he rendered him active service.
II. Requital of Paul.—
1. Grateful remembrance of him in his own heart.
2. Fond mention of him to Timothy.
3. Earnest prayer for him to God.
(1) Look more on the bright than on the dark side of the picture of your lot.
(2) Christianity does not extinguish any of the innocent feelings of human nature, and improves those which are amiable.
(3) Beneficence is a native proof of Christianity, and a leading test, specially in the affluent, of Christian character.
(4) There is a Christian mode of expressing gratitude.
(5) By kindness to Christians we acquire an interest in their prayers.
(6) Deeds of charity are not meritorious in the sight of God.—G. Brooks.
2 Timothy 1:18. St. Paul’s Prayer for Onesiphorus.
I. The day the apostle speaks of.—
1. His thoughts were often dwelling on that day.
2. It intimates that that day is a most important one. Other days are important to some, but this will be important to all.
II. His prayer.—
1. Our final salvation in the great day of the Lord will be an act of mercy.
2. We all still need mercy.
3. We all must find mercy.—C. Bradley.