2 Timothy 1:16-18

2 Timothy 1:16-18

[16] The Lord  give  mercy  unto the house  of Onesiphorus;  for  oft  refreshed  and  not  ashamed  chain:  [17] But,  when he was  in  Rome,  out  and  found  [18] The Lord  grant  unto him  that he may find  mercy  of  the Lord  in  that  day:  and  in how many things  he ministered unto me  at  Ephesus,  thou  knowest  very well. 

What does 2 Timothy 1:16-18 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Some have suggested that Onesiphorus (lit. help-bringer) may have been dead when Paul wrote this epistle since Paul spoke only of his household. But that seems unlikely to me in view of 2 Timothy 1:18.
"In the Apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, Onesiphorus is spoken of as a convert of Paul"s who gave him hospitality on his first visit to Iconium." [1]
Onesiphorus" household was an exception to the "all" above ( 2 Timothy 1:15), or perhaps they had felt differently and had later reaffirmed their loyalty to Paul. In any case his family had diligently and unashamedly sought out Paul and had ministered to him during his current imprisonment. For this Paul wished the Lord would show Onesiphorus "mercy" at the judgment seat of Christ (cf. "that day" in 2 Timothy 1:12). Because Onesiphorus had "found" Paul, Paul hoped that Onesiphorus would "find" mercy from the Lord. Paul seems to have been envisioning a scene in which all his brethren would stand before the Lord, Onesiphorus among them, namely, Christ"s judgment seat. God would express displeasure with the failure of the others, but Onesiphorus would escape that shame (cf. 1 John 2:28). Paul again used the possibility of shame to motivate Timothy (cf. 2 Timothy 1:8). Timothy knew about Onesiphorus" earlier faithful ministry in Ephesus. Paul referred to this as well to encourage Timothy to throw in his lot with Onesiphorus and his family rather than with those who had turned against the chained apostle.
"Moral behavior is best learned by observing such commitment in others. Children learn this behavior from parents. Young Christians learn it from older Christians. Ultimately moral behavior cannot be taught merely by character-building courses in the public schools. Christians must see moral commitment as a sterling example in others.
"Paul was not ashamed to present himself as the initial example he gave to Timothy. He had no doubt that his behavior was worth imitating. Christian leaders today need to have such a commitment to Christ that they are unashamed to say in humility, "If you want an example to follow, look at me!"" [2]