Paul describes Onesiphorus as a man who refreshed him. This man’s name is only mentioned twice in the Bible.
Onesiphorus has a name that is hard to pronounce and frankly is different from most common names we know. Yet, his name is synonymous with “that which is profitable.”
In other words, he lived up to his name by becoming profitable to his leader, Apostle Paul. The word profitable carries with it the meaning of “some use, benefit, or advantage to somebody.” Truly, he was just that to Paul.
I like to think that we desire to bring addition and multiplication to those we serve, rather than subtraction and division.
10 things we recognize about Onesiphorus:
- Dedicated – committed himself to Paul’s needs.
- Persevering – he searched for Paul till he found him.
- Faithful – didn’t stop his service with a one-time act.
- Overcoming – when you serve someone else’s needs, you have to learn to overcome other people’s opinions and assumptions.
- Selfless – he put Paul’s needs, interests and wishes before his own.
- Achiever – evidently he achieved his goal of serving his leader.
- Merciful – he was not ashamed or embarrassed of Paul’s chains.
- Humble – humility is a strong characteristic of anyone who serves someone else.
- Hard worker – he was not afraid of the menial tasks.
- Risk taker – it’s always a risk to stand up for what you believe in.
Onesiphorus is definitely a great example to all of us. He provided REFRESHMENT to his leader.
Ask yourself today...do I bring refreshment or depletion to those I serve? If it's the latter, then ask yourself...what can I change today that will begin to add strength and vitality to the one I've been called to assist?
May God give each of us the spirit of Onesiphorus!