He Often Refreshed Me
II Timothy 1:16
As we make our way through this journey of life, we encounter all manner of situations and experiences. Many of those are times of happiness, joy and success. Sometimes, we are faced with sadness, sorrow and failure. During those latter times, we may become lonely, weary or fearful. We may not be completely devastated nor destroyed, but we are hurting – both inside and out.
Some years ago, I came across a small passage in St. Paul’s second letter to his spiritual son, Timothy (it was likely the last letter he wrote). This passage has carried a special message of comfort and hope when things weren’t going well. Perhaps it will do so for some of you.
The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me. The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord in that Day—and you know very well how many ways he ministered to me at Ephesus. (II Timothy 1:16-19)
St. Paul wrote these words while enduring his second imprisonment in Rome in 67 A.D.. During his first imprisonment, he was granted “house arrest” where visitors were allowed in a home setting. This time, he was bound in chains in a cold Roman dungeon. No one stood with him at his defense and even friends had turned away from him. The hour of his execution was near. Only Luke, his physician, was with him. He was hoping that Timothy would come soon.
However, in the midst of this horrible situation, St. Paul graciously remembered a relatively unknown (to us) person who brought him sweet refreshment. “The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus for he often refreshed me.”
Onesiphorus had travelled from Ephesus to Rome (about 800 miles as the crow flies), apparently to serve St. Paul. While others had forsaken the apostle and were afraid of being imprisoned with him, Onesiphorus “was not ashamed of my chain”, and he eagerly searched until he found him.
As stated earlier, this was such a hard time for St. Paul – alone for the most part, weary, facing martyrdom. What a lift it must have been when he saw Onesiphorus kneeling before him in the darkness of the cell. Much-needed refreshment had arrived in this beloved friend.
The name, Onesiphorus, means “profit-bearing” … bringing something good. St. Paul, in his time of need, was about to receive much good from the presence and service of this brother in Christ.
There are several Greek words in the New Testament which are usually translated as refreshment or a similar meaning. One is anapauo, which says, “sit down and rest; the work can wait”. Another is sunanapauomai, which says, “here, let’s both rest awhile”.
The term, “refreshment” as it occurs in this verse translates the Greek word, anapsucho, which we may find quite enlightening. Literally, it means “to make cool”. Another way to say it might be, “drink this water, I’ll wipe your brow and we’ll keep working together”. This word occurs only twice in the New Testament. St Luke records St. Peter’s words, “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19). How refreshing to be in the presence of one in whom Christ dwells!
Onesiphorus knew that St. Paul would never cease his ministry; he would labor until his last breath. A cup of cold water, a cool cloth for his body and bandages to treat his wounds – Onesiphorus refreshed his teacher and father in Christ. But beyond that, he remained with him and shared the work. He joined his prayers, listened to his words, wept with him, rejoiced with him and stayed by his side. He did whatever was needed to lighten the load on the saint’s shoulders.
We live in a day when many are carrying heavy burdens. Many are deeply troubled, beset with trials and tribulations. Pressures of daily living are being multiplied by threats to their faith, morality and traditional values.
Isn’t it such a joy – a comfort – a refreshing – to have folks in your life such as Onesiphorus? To have those who refresh you just by being there; to be with those who stay when others have gone; to know those who are not ashamed of you when things aren’t well. How refreshing it is to hear an encouraging word, an understanding smile, a helping hand or even a loving tear.
Don’t we all cherish these “refreshers” in our lives who bring us good, make our days better and offer hope for the journey ahead?
We are so grateful for those who have refreshed us over the years; we pray for the Lord’s mercy upon each one and their families. Likewise, we hope that we also – in the footsteps of Onesiphorus – have provided some refreshment to others along the way.
God bless you.
Fr. Andrew and Kh. Dannie
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