Author: missionspaul

Having written about his deserting friends, Phygelus and Hermogenes, Paul now writes of his true friend. We all need to be a friend like this one and if we have one, then we are truly blessed.

“May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭

Do you have an Onesiphorus? Could you be one?

1. They are prepared to pay the cost of friendship. He “was not ashamed of my chains,” shows that there was a price to pay for being a friend of Paul. Onesiphorus people stand by people when it’s difficult, unpopular and inconvenient.
2. They refuse to abandon a friend regardless of the obstacles. Onesiphorus “searched hard for me until he found me,” shows diligence and with effort. Onesiphorus people don’t just show up when it’s convenient; they show up when it matters most. Real friends search for you when you’re lost, stand by you when you’re down, and make the effort when others have given up.
3. They do you good. Onesiphorus “often refreshed me.” He was a source of encouragement to Paul. Was he known for his preaching? Was there a miracle attached to his ministry? Was he an apostle or a prophet? No. Yet Paul told Timothy to look at “how many ways he helped me in Ephesus”. Onesiphorus people help. Sometimes showing up to help is more important than any other ministry.

Finally, Paul prays twice for his friend, “May the Lord …” Let’s do just that.

Who are the people in our lives who need us to be an Onesiphorus to them? Who is searching for encouragement, standing in chains of discouragement or difficulty, needing someone who won’t be ashamed to be associated with them?

And perhaps equally important: Who has been an Onesiphorus to us? Who deserves our gratitude for their faithfulness, their persistence, their refreshing presence in our lives? Who can we pray for today? 

In one sentence we see the humanity of Paul as he becomes vulnerable to Timothy. There is real pain in these words and you may be able to relate to them.

“You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1 v 15

What’s particularly striking about this moment is that Paul, who had endured beatings, shipwrecks, and imprisonments with remarkable resilience, is brought low not by physical suffering but by the absence of people he counted on. 

This great apostle is wounded by the absence of people and isolation can be the most painful. 

The abandonment Paul describes likely wasn’t just about people physically leaving. Some may have distanced themselves out of fear – associating with a prisoner could bring unwanted attention from Roman authorities. Others might have disagreed with Paul’s methods or message. Some probably just found it easier to move on than to stand by someone whose situation had become complicated and costly.

Is that your experience?

Have you known friends who disappear during illness or financial hardship, family members who withdraw during mental health struggles, or colleagues who distance themselves when someone falls from grace professionally. The reasons vary, but the sting of feeling left behind by those we trusted remains remarkably consistent.

Yet Paul’s honesty about this pain, rather than diminishing his strength, actually demonstrates a different kind of courage – the willingness to acknowledge hurt without becoming bitter, and to continue his mission despite the loneliness.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

No one knows who Phygelus and Hermogenes are and this is their only mention in the Bible.

Yes, they made it into the Bible for all the wrong reasons.

They deserted Paul at the time when he needed them the most. But Paul continued serving the Lord even in a difficult time and place and so have you. Even though someone or perhaps some abandoned you it didn’t alter your course for you have continued to follow Christ.

A friend texted me yesterday, disillusioned and struggling and ended his message, “but we keep on loving.” It moved and encouraged me.

It is with this spirit that Paul urges Timothy. He doesn’t want him to just copy him like a biscuit-cutter. He wants Timothy to have a similar pattern to what he has lived his life like.

“What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴ Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us.” (2 Timothy 1 v 13-14)

This pattern isn’t built on human wisdom or cultural trends. It’s rooted “in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” He wants him to continue in the faith but also to keep on loving. Notice how Paul connects doctrine with disposition—sound teaching must be accompanied by genuine faith and Christ-like love. Truth without love becomes harsh legalism; love without truth becomes empty sentimentality. Both together create the authentic Christian witness.
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this charge is Paul’s reminder that Timothy won’t guard this deposit of the gospel alone. The Holy Spirit “who lives in us” provides the power and wisdom needed for this monumental task. This same Spirit who inspired the Scriptures also empowers those called to preserve and proclaim them.
The Holy Spirit’s help isn’t passive—it’s active, personal, and continuous. He provides discernment to distinguish truth from error, courage to stand firm under pressure, and wisdom to communicate eternal truths in contemporary contexts.

There’s something deeply moving about Paul’s confidence in Timothy. Despite the young man’s apparent timidity and the challenging circumstances facing the early church, Paul entrusts him with the gospel’s preservation. This reveals God’s pattern of working through ordinary people in extraordinary ways.
The same trust extended to Timothy extends to us. We may feel inadequate for such a weighty responsibility, but that’s precisely why Paul points to the Holy Spirit’s help. Our insufficiency becomes the stage for God’s sufficiency.
May we, like Timothy, prove worthy of the trust placed in us. And may we find in the Holy Spirit’s presence the power to guard well the precious deposit entrusted to our care.

Paul is confident despite not being where he wanted to be. He is confident despite the suffering. With this attitude Paul was encouraging Timothy to have a similar positive outlook on life.

No matter what you go through, what you have or what you don’t have, if you have trust in Jesus Christ then no matter if your world collapses, you will remain standing.

“That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet this is no cause for shame, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day.” (2 Timothy 1 v 12)

He did  not say he believed in whom he knew. Christianity is not that. It is knowing who you believe.

“Timothy, at the end of my life, it isn’t how much Theology you have qualified in, but it is about knowing Jesus.”

The world may turn against you, they may slander and speak behind your back, you may suffer from this, but knowing Jesus will mean you will not be ashamed.

How?

Jesus is able to guard you, keep you and hold you. You may be in some tight corners. You may be in a storm but you know whom you have believed and you know He is able. If you go under you know He will raise you up. To Him who is able to keep you from falling … remember? There are times when you stumble, when you hurt and are pained but He is able to stop you from being crushed, for you have entrusted your life to Him.

The day will come. The day of redemption, the day of God, the last day, the great day, the day will come. When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation; And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart; Then I shall bow, in humble adoration; And then proclaim, my God, how great Thou art!! We are convinced He will bring us home. We know it. Our confidence is in Him.

This is for those who may simply be going through a difficult time and you are wondering whether it is worth holding on to your faith. 

We know by now that Paul is writing this from prison and from a place where he will most probably be executed there in Rome. These instructions to Timothy are of great wisdom and encouragement to us all, especially if you are under pressure. 

Paul will say, following Christ authentically will sometimes involve difficulty, opposition, and sacrifice.

“So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God. He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭8‬-‭11‬ ‭

Paul knew that Timothy faced real pressures such as persecution and the natural human tendency was to shrink back when following Christ. 

This wasn’t merely theoretical for Timothy. Paul himself was imprisoned, likely chained to Roman guards as he wrote these words. The temptation to distance himself from his mentor and the controversial gospel message would have been real and understandable. Yet Paul calls Timothy to something greater than self-preservation. He calls him to “share in the suffering for the gospel.”

What makes this call bearable? Paul immediately points to the source of strength: “by the power of God.” 

Suffering for the gospel is normal, not exceptional. We may not face imprisonment, but we shouldn’t be surprised when faithfulness to Christ creates tension in relationships, careers, or social settings.

The same power that saved us equips us to live boldly for Christ, even when courage feels beyond our natural capacity.

The gospel message itself provides motivation for courage. When we grasp that Christ has defeated death and revealed eternal life, temporary suffering comes into proper perspective.

The question is whether we’ll remember who has called us and find our courage in his power rather than our own strength.

People and events can so often dilute the confidence within the gifts and ministries that God has given us. We need this same reminder Paul gave Timothy.

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. ” (2 Timothy 1 v 7)

The Spirit does not operate in cowardly, paralysing fear preventing us from fulfilling our call.

The Spirit does not move with anxiety, the shrinking feeling that you cannot do what He is calling you to do.

No.

The Spirit moves with a supernatural capability, enabling you to do what you cannot accomplish in your own strength. That may be to forgive someone who has hurt you or to keep going when you just want to give up.

The Spirit moves with a sacrificial love that moves you to pay the highest cost to reach the highest good for others. Even when it is difficult you love. Even when you are opposed you are gracious.

The Spirit moves with truth so that when circumstances seem to overwhelm you that you regain your footing by seeing things through a different perspective.

As you fan into flame the gifting that God has given you, invite the Holy Spirit to move amongst you with power, love and self-discipline.

We are reading some of the final words to his spiritual son. Paul would be executed soon so these words become very poignant. Timothy is facing difficulties as the Church leader in Ephesus. Paul has reminded him of his Christian heritage but now he encourages him to do something.

“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ 

Using an analogy which resonated well in their culture, with the need to keep their fires burning by the stirring of embers, keeping the flames alive, he says that Timothy should pay attention to his spiritual gifts. 

Gifts can diminish and lay dormant if they are not used or if they’re discouraged. 

While Paul doesn’t specify the exact nature of Timothy’s gift in this verse, the context of the letter and what we know of Timothy’s ministry suggests it likely encompasses his calling to pastoral leadership, teaching, and evangelism.

The gift came “through the laying on of my hands,” referring to Timothy’s ordination or commissioning for ministry. This phrase emphasises both the divine origin of the gift and the role of apostolic authority in recognising and confirming it. However, the responsibility for stewarding and developing the gift rests squarely with Timothy.

This challenges any passive approach to spiritual life that can easily creep into our faith journey. Just as Timothy needed to actively fan his spiritual gifts into flame, we too must take responsibility for cultivating what God has given us. 

What does this mean practically?

It could be:

• Regular prayer and Bible study to fuel our spiritual fire.

• Stepping out in faith to use our gifts, even when it feels uncomfortable.

• Surrounding ourselves with other believers who encourage spiritual growth

While the responsibility to fan the flame is personal, it doesn’t happen in isolation. Paul’s mention of the laying on of hands reminds us that our gifts are often recognized, confirmed, and developed within the context of Christian community. 

How?:

• Mentors who can guide and encourage us

• Peers who can walk alongside us in ministry

• Opportunities within our church communities to practice and develop our gifts

Like Timothy, we may face intimidation, discouragement, or uncertainty about our calling. But Paul’s metaphor reminds us that even the smallest ember has the potential to become a blazing fire when given proper attention and care. The question for each of us is: What gifts has God placed within us, and how are we fanning them into flame?

Take time today to identify the spiritual gifts and calling God has placed in your life. Then ask Him for wisdom and courage to fan those gifts into an ever-brighter flame for His glory and the benefit of others. The ember is there—now it’s time to fan it into the flame God intended it to become.

Are you leaving a legacy? 

I’m not asking about an inheritance of money or property but something far more than that. 

I am thinking of the relationships we nurture; parental obviously but also an auntie to her niece and the many relationships where the nurturing of values shape people most closest to us. 

There are so many legacy examples; professional legacies, community legacies, those in education between teacher and student

The most sustainable legacies often aren’t about monuments to ourselves, but about enabling others to flourish. It’s not about being remembered but more about the future generations own lifestyle, being even better than yours. 

This can be seen in these verses:-

“I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” 2 Timothy‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Faith didn’t begin with Timothy—it flowed through his grandmother Lois to his mother Eunice, and finally to him.

This was sincere and genuine faith. In chapter 3 we will read how Paul reminded Timothy he had learnt the Scriptures as an infant. Even before she became a Christian, as a Jewess she was sharing her Abrahamic faith and the Old Testament stories with Timothy. She made known the Holy Scriptures till Timothy owned them himself.

This wasn’t performance faith —it was authentic, lived-out faith that shaped daily decisions and character. This kind of faith is so compelling that it naturally influences the next generation. 

Your faith matters more than you might realise. 

Lois and Eunice probably had no idea that their names would be recorded in Scripture as examples of faithful influence. The faith you live out daily—not just the words you speak—creates a legacy that can impact generations.

We are all part of a great chain of faith that stretches back through generations and forward into the future. The faith we’ve received from others carries with it the responsibility to pass it on faithfully to those who come after us.

God works through ordinary people—grandmothers, mothers, mentors, and friends—to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.

Paul’s words to Timothy echo across the centuries to encourage us: the sincere faith that lives in us today connects us to a story much larger than ourselves. We are recipients of an ancient faith and stewards of a timeless truth. What we do with that faith—how we live it, share it, and pass it on—matters not just for our own lives but for generations yet to come.

Whether you’re sitting in a prison cell like Paul, facing the challenges of raising children like Lois and Eunice, or simply trying to live faithfully in whatever circumstances you find yourself, remember this: sincere faith, lived out consistently and shared authentically, has the power to change not just individual lives but entire family lines and communities.

I love how in these next few verses Paul reveals how he remembered those important to him and the experiences he had with them.

Memory can be a beautiful thing.

 ^“I thank God, whom I serve, as my ancestors did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴ Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵ I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.” (2 Timothy 1 v 3-5)

Paul says he “constantly” remembers Timothy in his prayers – this wasn’t occasional or sporadic, but a regular, ongoing mental habit. We can weave people into a spiritual rhythm of our lives.

He specifically remembers Timothy’s tears, likely from their last parting. This shows Paul didn’t just remember facts about people, but carried their emotional moments with him. The deep impressions that people have made either In the goodbyes or other experience can remain etched in our minds forever.

Paul recalls the faith lineage – grandmother Lois, mother Eunice, and now Timothy. We can hold similar multi-generational stories in our minds, seeing patterns and continuity across time, thinking of those no longer with us but who laid their footprint in the lives of others.

We can carry people with us in a way that shapes our prayers, emotions, and a sense of God’s faithfulness across generations. Our memories can become a bridge connecting past experiences with present prayers and future hopes.

What can you remember today?

This is the second letter to Timothy. The relationship was obvious.

“To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” .” (2 Timothy 1 v 2)

The letter presents Paul as facing imminent death and writing what appears to be his final words to Timothy, who was leading the church in Ephesus. It reflects a time of persecution and challenges facing early Christian communities.

Of course Timothy wasn’t his son yet their relationship went beyond blood ties. Paul had invested his life, wisdom, and ministry into Timothy and he had proven himself faithful to Paul through years of service and hardship.

Paul’s paternal language toward Timothy didn’t happen overnight. Their relationship began when Paul first encountered Timothy in Lystra (Acts 16:1), where the young man already had a reputation for faithfulness. Over the years that followed, Timothy became Paul’s trusted companion, fellow labourer, and eventually his successor in ministry.

What made Paul a spiritual father wasn’t merely his age or authority—it was his willingness to pour his life into another person. He shared not just his knowledge but his struggles, his victories, and his very heart. This is the essence of spiritual mentorship: the generous giving of oneself for the development of another. That can come from a biological or spiritual father.

Timothy’s role as a “dear son” speaks to his character and response to Paul’s investment in him. He didn’t just learn Paul’s methods; he caught his heart. The relationship worked because Timothy proved himself worthy of the trust placed in him.
He endured hardships, faced opposition, and carried on Paul’s ministry even when it meant personal sacrifice. His loyalty and dedication earned him not just Paul’s respect, but his deep affection.

You may have similar relationships and if you do then you are as blessed as Paul and Timothy were.

Paul was proud to speak of his ‘dear son’.

“I have become a father and I have a son (Timothy). Now imitate me as I imitate Christ.” (1 Corinthians 4 v 16-17). Timothy was not an apostle like Paul. He was a sent minister, a missionary and importantly a dear son or a beloved son (NASB)

^“For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love ..” v17

His use of language in his letter to the Church in Corinth and here to Timothy are clearly revealing of God the Father and God the Son.

• The Church needs more Fathers who send and more sons who go. John 20:21 “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” There are trapped sons today. The fathers will not send, they keep to themselves, they want to build empires, to preserve their name. Sons want to honour but they want to go.
• The Church needs more Fathers who love and more sons who know they are loved:

“You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased” Luke 3:22. This is sacrificial love. The sacrifice of the father to send the one he loves to people who are on the verge of rejecting Him.  The sacrifice of the son to be sent. The Father sends and the son dies. The church wants to live, God wants the church to die.

The ministry of Jesus was to reveal the Father. As people looked at the lifestyle of Jesus, saw his personality and character, they saw the beauty of the Father. Do people see the Father in us? Christ’s passion hasn’t changed now that he is in heaven. It is still his desire for our lives that we know the Father. What kind of Father do people experience from the Church? From you and me?

Who is your Timothy? Who is the one you have poured your life into? Who is your Paul?

Celebrate them today. Thank God for them.