Never give up!
2 Timothy 1:15-18
15 As you know, everyone from the province of Asia has deserted me—even Phygelus and Hermogenes.
16 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 chains. 17 When he came to Rome, he searched everywhere until he found me. 18 May the Lord show him special kindness on the day of Christ’s return. And you know very well how helpful he was in Ephesus.
This short passage gives a series of contrasts about giving up on Jesus.
Paul is in prison in Rome, where he seems to have been for an extended period. Ancient prisons were not the punishment themselves – they were just a holding place until judgement could be passed. They were cold, dark and uncomfortable. They did not provide for the prisoner’s needs like food and clothing – prisoners were dependent on friends on the outside to supply their needs, but now some of those friends have deserted Paul. Two are named – “even Phygelus and Hermogenes” have deserted me. The “even” implies that these men were previously strong in supporting him but have now become ashamed of helping a prisoner and have given up.
In contrast, Onesiphorus has come to Rome, searched for Paul, refreshed him (supplied his needs) and is not ashamed of him, even though being a prisoner in the ancient world brought much shame.
The contrast between these two challenges Timothy, and us, to not be ashamed of the gospel, and to never give up our faith in Christ and sharing about Him, no matter the consequences.
In Australia, the temptation to give up may be more subtle than for those in ancient times or those in other parts of the world now, but it is still present. Is social rejection an issue for us? Or sleeping in on Sundays instead of going to church, because our lives are so busy? Or not wanting to share our faith with others because they already follow another faith, and it seems politically incorrect to do so?
I think this passage also challenges us to support Christians in parts of the world where they may be hurt or imprisoned for their faith by praying for them and giving money to help them.
Lord Jesus, help me today to remember the examples of Hermogenes, Phygelus and Onesiphorus. Please give me the courage to remain faithful and not be ashamed of the gospel or people who serve it. Please show me how to show kindness to your children who are persecuted for their faith. Amen.
Written by Megan Cornell