Final Arrest
325
to Paul and enabled him to communicate with his brethren and the
world without.
In this trying time Paul’s heart was cheered by frequent visits
from Onesiphorus. This warmhearted Ephesian did all in his power to
lighten the burden of the apostle’s imprisonment. His beloved teacher
was in bonds for the truth’s sake, while he himself went free, and he
spared himself no effort to make Paul’s lot more bearable.
[491]
In the last letter that the apostle ever wrote, he speaks thus of this
faithful disciple: “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus;
for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but, when
he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The
Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day.”
2
Timothy 1:16-18
.
The desire for love and sympathy is implanted in the heart by God
Himself. Christ, in His hour of agony in Gethsemane, longed for the
sympathy of His disciples. And Paul, though apparently indifferent to
hardship and suffering, yearned for sympathy and companionship. The
visit of Onesiphorus, testifying to his fidelity at a time of loneliness
and desertion, brought gladness and cheer to one who had spent his
life in service for others.
[492]