One Bible student has counted 3,237 different people mentioned in the Bible.[1] Granted, we’re not given all their names, but still, each one serves as an example—for good or bad. One is a man called Onesiphorus, a friend of the apostle Paul.

 

Onesiphorus is mentioned only twice in the Bible, but the meaning of his name is interesting: it means “bringing profit,” or “useful.” Paul tells us about him in 2nd Timothy, chapter 1.

 

“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 . . .You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.”

 

Okay, how did Onesiphorus help Paul? First, he often refreshed Paul. I hope someone can say that about your life and mine. Ask yourself: what have I done today to encourage another person? A word, a touch, a kindness?

 

Second, Onesiphorus was not ashamed of the fact that Paul was a prisoner, nor did that embarrass him.

 

Third, the Bible says at one time he cared enough about Paul to search hard for him until he found him. Probably he knew Paul was Rome in prison somewhere, but he didn’t know where. He traveled from Ephesus to Rome looking for him until he found him and could bring him encouragement.

 

Then, fourth, the Bible says in many ways he helped Paul. And Paul never forgot his kindness. Yes, Onesiphorus was useful to Paul, just like his name inferred.

 

Today, Lord, use us to refresh someone who needs Your touch.

 

[1] https://www.wordsearchbible.com/authors/2646/david-g-stephan, accessed 12-30-2021.