2 Timothy 1:16

2 Timothy 1:16. The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus. Now we see what train of thought has led to the mention of these names. Timothy is to look on this picture and on that, and to ask himself whether he will cast in his lot with the two whose desertion had pained his father in the faith, or with him whose loyalty drew forth these words of thankful benediction. The expression ‘to the house of Onesiphorus,' suggests, though it cannot be said to prove, the supposition that he himself was dead.

Refreshed me. The word, though not the same, is analogous to that in Philemon 1:7. Acts of kindness were to the heart of St. Paul as a cool breeze in the parching heat, as water to the thirsty, as the shadow of a rock in a weary land.

Was not ashamed of my chain. The word is obviously chosen to remind Timothy of the weakness which had made St. Paul's entreaty in 2 Timothy 1:3 a painful necessity.