May the Lord show special kindness to Onesiphorus and all his family because he often visited and encouraged me. He was never ashamed of me because I was in prison. When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me….
(2 Tim. 1:16-17 NLT)

I have always been intrigued by the relationship between Onesiphorus and the Apostle Paul. I have come to the conclusion that every Christian leader needs an Onesiphorus and every Onesiphorus needs a Paul.

The Apostle Paul was mightily used of God. He wrote more than half of the New Testament; he pioneered churches, taught the Word, preached to crowds, discipled believers, traveled extensively on missions trips and faced intense persecution during most of his ministry. He was always in the "giving" mode and focused on ministering to others. However, near the end of his life when he was in prison for preaching the gospel, he needed someone to "give" to him.

Paul was imprisoned for preaching the gospel several times. During his first imprisonment in Rome, he was under house arrest and had freedom to receive visitors and preach the gospel; but historians say during his second imprisonment in Rome he was likely bound hands and feet in a dungeon and treated as the worst of criminals – a "malefactor." This is when Onesiphorus showed up. He was a faithful friend. He must have been gifted in encouragement. Maybe his love language was words and quality time. God must have put Paul on Onesiphorus' radar screen; He must have put Paul in his heart. Look at the way Onesiphorus ministered to Paul.

He Often Visited Paul…how nice. He was committed to being there for Paul – especially in his time of need. Paul was near the end of his life. He was a leader. He was alone. Any leader will tell you that being at the "top" is wonderful, an honor, a privilege and lonely. Friends – like Onesiphorus – who reach out often, are a gift.

He Encouraged Paul…how refreshing. Think about it. Paul was usually the one that operated in the role of the "encourager" – after all, he wrote numerous letters to encourage believers and churches. However, in this relationship, Onesiphorus was the encourager. He must have known that Paul needed someone to listen to and sit with him. He needed someone to speak words of hope, faith and comfort and he took the initiative to lift Paul's spirits.

He Wasn't Ashamed…how courageous. Onesiphorus had courage and guts. Most experts agree that Paul's second imprisonment was a harsh one that took place shortly before he was martyred for his faith. Onesiphorus didn't care that Paul was being treated like the worst criminal for preaching the gospel. He didn't care that the "officials" might associate him with Paul and perhaps put himself in jeopardy. He was willing to identify with Paul in some of his most difficult days.

He Searched For Paul…how faithful. Historians say that during this second imprisonment, Paul was rather difficult to locate. Onesiphorus wasn't a fair-weather friend; he searched for Paul and overcame whatever inconvenience he faced to be a source of encouragement. There wasn't much in it for Onesiphorus; he wasn't using Paul for his own benefit. Paul couldn't introduce him to anyone famous and Paul couldn't pull any strings for him. It was just a genuine love and care for Paul that motivated Onesiphorus to search for and refresh him.

Are you an "Onesiphorus"? Perhaps you have been called to encourage one of God's leaders? Has the Lord put a leader on your heart? Is there some internal God-given desire in you to be a blessing to a Christian leader? Start by praying for them and trust the Lord to show you how to provide the type of "no-strings-attached" encouragement they need.

Are you a "Paul"? Do you need an Onesiphorus in your life? Someone who really cares about you? Someone who will be there in your difficult days? Someone whom God has raised up to encourage, visit and pray for you? Ask the Lord to coordinate and knit that type of mutually beneficial relationship for you.

Prayer: Father, I am willing to be an Onesiphorus. Show me how to encourage Your leaders. Father, I need an Onesiphorus in my life. I ask You to send one to encourage me as I fulfill Your will. In Jesus' Name. Amen.