Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 2 Timothy 1:18

"(the Lord grant unto him to find mercy of the Lord in that day); and in how many things he ministered at Ephesus, thou knowest very well." — 2 Timothy 1:18 (ASV)

In contrast to the attitudes and actions of the majority was the kindness of Onesiphorus. He had lived up to his name, which means “help-bringer.” This man had often “refreshed” Paul and had not been ashamed of the apostle’s chains, as the others had been.

When he went to Rome, Onesiphorus had “searched hard” for Paul until he finally found him. There were many prisoners in Rome, and it was not an easy task to locate this particular one. Paul prays that mercy may be shown to Onesiphorus “on that day”—presumably the day of judgment. Then he adds that Timothy knew very well how this faithful Christian had often helped Paul when the latter was in Ephesus.

Those must have been lonely hours for the aged apostle in prison, facing almost certain death and forsaken by his friends. It is difficult for us to understand why God’s servants who have given themselves in sacrificial service to others should suffer like this at the end. But Paul knew that the glory of the next life would repay it all.