In 2 Timothy 1:18,18The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well. (2 Timothy 1:18) speaking of Onesiphorus, Paul says, “The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day.” Will you help us by stating what you believe to be the meaning of this Scripture? —Gateshead.
ALL that we know of Onesiphorus is contained in this passage. He often had so acted as to refresh Paul. He was in happy contrast to those of Asia who turned away from Paul, for he was not ashamed of his captive condition. Moreover, when in Rome his love and zeal took very active shape; he diligently sought for Paul in his imprisonment and found him, just as formerly he had in many things ministered to him in Ephesus days.
The Apostle, now in prison, can do nothing for Onesiphorus, save express his fervent dire and prayer on his behalf. That desire was twofold. First, that mercy might be shown to his household. Second, that he himself might find mercy at the Lord’s hands in the corning day of glory.
We naturally feel interested to know just exactly what Paul had in his mind; but the fact is, we do not know. We may suppose that Onesiphorus was in some way separated from his household and that some calamity or trouble had come on him personally. That may be so. There was no doubt something in the Apostle’s thoughts, of which we are purposely left in ignorance. It is useless speculating. It is indeed worse than useless for we can easily speculate ourselves into error—as some have done by assuming that Onesiphorus must have been dead, and then finding in the words you quote authority for praying for the dead!
If we do not attempt to speculate, what can we learn from these words? Evidently this, that “in that day”— the day of the judgment seat of Christ—all that may be ours in the way of reward is to be viewed as an expression of “mercy.”
Is not this an important point? We judge that it is. The “crown of righteousness” will be given by “the righteous Judge” (2 Tim. 4:88Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8)), yet behind all lies mercy. There would have been no diligent service, no loving Christ’s appearing, had not mercy taken the initiative with us and started all in motion.
That is why the saints will cast their crowns before the throne—the throne in which is to appear “a Lamb as it had been slain.”