Bring Profit to the Lord's Kingdom

Bring Profit to the Lord’s Kingdom

The Apostle Paul once wrote of a man who brought much profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. As a matter of fact, his very name means “profit bearer” (Thayer). The man’s name was Onesiphorus.

Not much is mentioned about the man Onesiphorus; we only find his name used twice in the Bible. Four verses of scripture are dedicated to him, II Tim. 1:16-18 and II Tim. 4:19. Regardless of the fact that Onesiphorus is only mentioned twice in four verses of the New Testament, the Apostle Paul was very fond of him and commended him for his work for the Lord and for his bringing profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. This is because Onesiphorus was a diligent worker in the Kingdom and a faithful friend to the Apostle Paul.

In 2 Timothy 1:16-18 Paul states; “The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain: But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me. The 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.” From this passage we learn that Onesiphorus was a man that brought profit to the Lord’s Kingdom in many ways. Firstly, Onesiphorus “refreshed” the Apostle Paul. He cared for Paul when Paul was in prison in Rome, from 61-63 A.D. We can learn from this example and always endeavor to “refresh” our Christian brothers and sisters in their times of need.

Onesiphorus also was persistent and consistent in bringing profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. In verse 16 we read that he “oft refreshed” the Apostle. He did not help Paul one time only, but time after time, even through the two years of Paul’s imprisonment. As Paul states in 1 Corinthians 15:58 “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” Onesiphorus knew that his labor was not in vain while he was helping Paul. He did not give up simply because Paul was never set free, he was persistent and consistent.

Onesiphorus also brought profit to the Lord’s Kingdom by taking the initiative in the work of the Lord. Again in our text we see that Onesiphorus “sought [Paul] out very diligently, and found me”. The word “diligently” means to “expend all energy”. Onesiphorus took it upon himself to seek for Paul in the large city of Rome, and did not cease until he found him. We, in following his example, should likewise take the initiative in service to our King.

Onesiphorus did many other things to bring profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. He made his Christianity known by not being ashamed of Paul’s chain, vs. 16. He served the Lord in many ways while in Ephesus with Paul, vs. 18. He remained faithful unto the Lord, and the Lord granted him his rest at the end of his profitable life.

We, as Christians, can learn from Onesiphorus. We should always strive to bring profit to the Lord’s Kingdom. We should refresh other Christians, be persistent, make our Christianity known, take the initiative, and remain diligent in our service to Christ.