Yesterday I noticed a whole team of people supporting their Pastor up to 2 hours before people arrived. This is not unique I know but I noticed it. Paul is at the end of his life and he is remembering friends and people who detached their friendship from him. Here are some more people whose names are familiar. The first two from Acts and the letters of Romans and 1 Corinthians and of course previously in his first letter to Timothy. It’s a simple message but clearly they hold a special place in his heart and ministry.
“Greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus.” (2 Timothy 4 v 19)
Priscilla and Aquila stand out as one of the most remarkable ministry partnerships in the New Testament. This married opened their home, their trade, and their hearts to advance the gospel. What’s striking is that Priscilla is often mentioned first – unusual for the time period – suggesting she may have been the more prominent teacher or leader between them. Those of us who support women in ministry notice these things.
The household of Onesiphorus represents another fascinating glimpse into early church life. Paul mentions in 2 Timothy 1:16-18 how Onesiphorus “was not ashamed of my chains” and “searched hard for me until he found me” in Rome. While we don’t know if Onesiphorus himself was still alive when Paul wrote these final greetings, his household clearly continued the legacy of faithfulness and service.
The brevity of this greeting doesn’t diminish its power – sometimes the shortest acknowledgments carry the deepest affection. In just a few words, Paul honours partnerships that shaped eternity.
We can so easily overlook some verses in the Bible and this is one of those.
Paul’s personal warmth challenges us to consider: Who are the Priscillas, Aquilas, and households of Onesiphorus in our own lives? Who has opened their home, shared their resources, or stood by us when it was costly? And perhaps more importantly, whose names might we mention with gratitude if we were writing our own final letters?
Missions Paul 