International Wesleyan Holiness Association : June 2024

2 You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. 3 Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier. 5 And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. 6 The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops. 7 Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.

8 Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel, 9 [a]for which I endure hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God has not been chained. 10 For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. 11 It is a trustworthy saying:

For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;

If we endure, we will also reign with Him;
If we will deny Him, He also will deny us;

If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.

Accurately Handle the Word of Truth

14 Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. 16 But avoid godless and empty chatter, for [b]it will lead to further ungodliness, 17 and their word will spread like [c]gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The [d]Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the [e]Lord is to depart from wickedness.”

20 Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor. 21 Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work. 22 Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart. 23 But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce [f]quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive [g]by him to do his will.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “You therefore, my child, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus.”

Paul begins with the first figure of speech “You therefore, my child.” Timothy was not the physical son of Paul. However, he was his spiritual son and had been converted to the faith under his ministry. “Be strong in the grace” is good advice. If you think that you can grit your teeth and go out and live the Christian life on your own, you’re in for a great disappointment. If you feel that you can follow a few little rules or some clever gimmicks to make you a mature Christian, then you have fallen into a subtle trap of legalism. Paul knew that the key to salvation and living a Christian life was found in the grace of God. Let us remember as well.

Verse 2: “And the things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Paul wants Timothy to know that his duties included finding others to be faithful to preach the gospel. Paul was greatly concerned about the future. He wondered, just as we do when we approach the end of our ministry, if other men will come along who will preach and teach the Word of God. To use a modern expression, he wanted to have a downline of faithful Christians that would teach what he taught.

Verse 3: “Suffer hardship with me, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus.”

Paul was clear that the Christian life was one of hardship like a soldier. This is a good analogy. To be a soldier you must go through basic training. This can be 14 weeks or more depending on the branch of the military you joined. A good soldier knows that he must always be ready to lay down his life to protect his country. In the same way, we are to always be ready to die for Lord Jesus Christ. After basic training you would enter different schools depending what your assignment was in the military.

Verse 4: “No soldier in active service entangles himself in the affairs of everyday life, so that he may please the one who enlisted him as a soldier.”

The Lord Jesus Chruist that no one could serve two masters. In the same manner, a soldier’s loyalty is to the nation he has sworn to protect and defend. When I was sworn into the United States Marine Corps, I had to publicly swear with my right hand raised that “I would support and defend the Constitution of the United States.” The soldier for Christ has sworn allegiance to Him and will die to protect His cause and purpose. Just as you can have no cowards in the military, there are to be no cowards in The Lord’s Army.

Verse 5: “And also if anyone competes as an athlete, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.”

Now Paul compares the Christian life to an athlete. An athlete must train hard and consistently. Moreover, the athlete must play by the rules. In every contest regardless of the sport, if you cheat you will be disqualified. In the same way, to live as a Christian means you will play by the rules. You are saved by grace through faith and salvation is 100% of the Lord. However, the Christian life requires effort on your part. Who you were is not who you are when you are in Christ. We want to win the prize of heaven and we will as we walk daily having the Holy Spirit sanctify us (make us holy) every week, day, hour and minute. There is no time off when you are a Christian.

Verse 6: “The hard-working farmer ought to be the first to receive his share of the crops.”

Next, Paul compares the Christian life to being a farmer. The farmer sows his seed and waters the ground and then there is the harvest. In the same way, the Christian sows the Word of God. After the Word is preached, then comes the harvest. There are no shortcuts. This is a reason why I question (better yet, don’t believe) reports of Muslims seeing “Jesus” in a dream and there becoming believers. I don’t believe Paul would believe them either. People get saved after the Word of God has been preached to them. The Holy Spirit applies the Word to the sinner’s heart and brings conviction leading to salvation.

Verse 7: “Understand what I say, for the Lord will give you insight in everything.”

This verse teaches that the Christian walk is a cooperative effort between the believer and the Lord working together. The Lord God is Sovereign (all powerful and in charge of everything) but in His Providence (working the details of life weaving them together to accomplish His purposes), He uses secondary causes (you, me, events of life) to bring about His will. Paul is telling Timothy that the Lord will give the insight he needs when he needs it.

Verse 8: “Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, of the seed of David, according to my gospel,”

The faithful Christian will always lead his message with the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no gimmicks. The message is Christ crucified, Christ buried, Christ resurrected from the dead, Christ ascending to heaven and Christ coming again. Paul called this message, “my gospel.” Paul was willing to die (and he did) for the cause of Christ. May we be as faithful.

Verse 9: “or which (literally “in which”) I endure hardship even to chains as a criminal. But the word of God has not been chained.”

While Paul was bound, the Word of God was not. With the Roman empire trying to silence Paul, it could not. As long as we remain faithful to the gospel, God’s Word will spread far and wide. We do not exist as a ministry to just do good things for others (although that may be commendable), our singular purpose is to preach the Word of God, without compromise, to a lost and dying world. We are to preach the Word of God as it is, to men as they are. Preach what the Word says, not what you want it to say.

Verse 10: “For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they also may obtain the salvation, which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.”

Paul is preaching for God’s elect. The elect are the ones that will respond to the gospel message. No one knows who the elect are, so we preach the Word to everyone without discrimination. Do not bypass the adulterer, the homosexual, etc., but rather preach the Word without discrimination to all. Be ready to suffer in doing so, but that is our calling as well.

Verse 11: “It is a trustworthy saying: For if we died with Him, we will also live with Him;”

When do we die with Christ? You die with Him when you are born again. His death becomes your death. Your life is with Him. This is a “trustworthy saying” which means it is a guarantee. We can have no fear of physical death because we have already died with the Lord Jesus Christ.

Verse 12: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we will deny Him, He also will deny us;”

Believers who persevere give evidence of the genuineness of their faith. The opposite is also true. If you deny Christ He will deny you, i.e. He never knew you. True faith never stands alone. True faith is a working faith.

Verse 13: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself.”

This verse refers to a lack of genuine saving faith, not to weak or struggling faith. Unbelievers will ultimately deny Christ because their faith was not genuine. Christ remains faithful to save all those who repent and have faith in Him. Otherwise, Christ would be denying Himself and that is something He will never do.

Verse 14: “Remind them of these things, solemnly charging them in the presence of God not to dispute about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.”

As Christians, we need to focus on the gospel message which focuses on the Lord Jesus Christ. We may differ on nonessentials, e.g. end times theology or method of baptism, but still remain in fellowship with each other. Disputing about words leads to division and a lack of unity. As we are unified in Christ and focus on the fundamental principles of the faith, we will live lives with intentionality and purpose. That will bring glory to His Name.

Verse 15: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.”

The believer is to study the Word of God with the same diligence he would do working for a secular employer. When working a job, you have set times to present yourself and you are to work hard for your employer. In the same way, we need set times to study God’s Word. “Accurately handling the word of truth” means to interpret according to context. It is never good to “cherry pick” verses without context and create a meaning that would never have been understood by the original authors. “Cherry picking” is prevalent in the charismatic church as well as denominations that create unBiblical dress codes and prohibitions.

Verse 16: “But avoid godless and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness,”

Your words will impact your actions. Paul is warning that we are to avoid godless and empty talk. This kind of talk has no spiritual value. For years I have suggested that you listen to what people are talking about just before church services begin. You can’t go from talking about the latest sporting event to immediately being in the correct frame of mind to worship the Lord, preach, or teach the Bible. Putting the verse in a positive manner, it would read: “Embrace godly conversation and meaningful talk.”

Verse 17: “ and their word will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus,”

The word translated “gangrene” could also be translated as cancer. Cancer can spread very quickly and destroy the body leading to death. Hymenaeus and Philetus are identified as guilty of this type of behavior and should be considered apostates.

Verse 18: “who have gone astray from the truth saying that the resurrection has already taken place, and they upset the faith of some.”

Paul describes the apostasy identified in the previous verse. On that day, there were some who were teaching that the resurrection had already taken place, which meant that those still living had missed it. You can imagine the confusion that such a teaching could create and fear.

Verse 19: “Nevertheless, the firm foundation of God stands, having this seal, “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Everyone who names the name of the Lord is to depart from wickedness.”

The firm foundation is most likely the church which cannot be defeated. The LORD “knows” references an intimate knowledge of the believer as opposed to simple awareness. Those that call themselves “Christians” will live a life in pursuit of holiness. That walk on the “highway of holiness” will not embrace, support, or condone sin.

Verse 20: “Now in a large house there are not only gold and silver vessels, but also vessels of wood and of clay, and some to honor and some to dishonor.”

In these verses a believer is pictured as a vessel. If a vessel is to be usable, it must be clean. If you were thirsty and you had two cups. One was beautiful but dirty, but the other one was cracked a little but clean. Which would you choose? Of course, you would choose the clean one. God will choose those that desire holiness and seek to live clean lives. He is not looking for the beautiful, He is looking for the clean.

Verse 21: “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified, useful to the Master, having been prepared for every good work.”

While our initial cleansing in salvation is 100% of the Lord, sanctification is a joint effort between man and the Holy Spirit. The believer must use effort to cleanse himself walking in our fallen world. When he does, he becomes a vessel of honor ready to work for the Lord. Our God does not seek the beautiful, but rather the clean. The cleansing in sanctification (being set aside for God’s purposes) is a daily activity not ending until we leave this world.

Verse 22: “Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.”

“Youthful lusts” includes not merely illicit sexual desires, but also such lusts as pride, desire for wealth and power, jealousy, self-assertiveness, and having an argumentative spirit. While one flees from the lusts, he chases “righteousness, faith, love, and peace.” We are to have “pure hearts” which means that such a state is possible. At salvation, we receive a new heart and that new heart is pure and undefiled. That is the promise of the New Covenant.

Verse 23: “But refuse foolish and ignorant speculations, knowing that they produce quarrels.”

Over the years, I have had several people ask me questions about things not covered in the Scriptures. These types of questions lead to “foolish and ignorant speculations.” My standard answer is that if the topic is not covered by the Scriptures then God did not think it necessary for us to know. They are the secret things that belong to the Lord. (Deuteronomy 29: 29) Don’t speculate about things God didn’t tell us. Focus on the things He did tell us.

Verse 24: “And the Lord’s slave must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged,”

One of the reasons I like the Legacy translation is that it consistently translates the Greek word doulos as slave and not bondservant or servant. A servant can have many masters, but a slave only one. The slave is so committed to his master that he is at his beckon call. Paul used the word doulos because he wanted to show how someone 100% sold out for Christ would act. The slave would be like his master. As the Lord Jesus Christ was not quarrelsome and was kind when He was wronged, so must be His disciples. This is not about praying a prayer or joining the church, but rather a complete surrender to his Master.

Verse 25: “with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may give them repentance leading to the full knowledge of the truth,”

Paul makes clear where repentance originates. While it is man’s responsibility to repent, he cannot do so until God gives the gift of repentance. In an unsaved state, man will not repent on his own. However, when God gives the sinner repentance, the sinner will act on it. The Lord’s slave must be gentle with those he corrects. We are to preach the Word and be comforted that the Holy Spirit will apply the truth of the Word to the sinner’s heart. Repentance is the door the sinner passes through to be justified.

Verse 26: “and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will.”

Satan has the unsaved sinner captive. In his own power, he is powerless to be saved. The word translated “come to their senses” is literally the word “awaken.” The sinner needs to be awakened from his spiritual slumber through the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and respond in repentance. When he does, he will be set free from the captivity of Satan. Many unsaved religionists have a little religion but he always lacks repentance. There has been no spiritual transformation in his life. Our ministry has been called an awakening ministry because we preach the Word of God without compromise calling on sinners to repent.

Saturday, June 22, 2024

Revelation Part 37

https://youtu.be/B8M8dDqWMko?si=RRKPPNScHXgVReXC

Friday, June 21, 2024

State of the Church Part 1

https://youtu.be/0ldFOq4w5Mg?si=HWeLspiJzFRaD12d

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Revelation Part 6

https://youtu.be/wGIVd8IQ0Nw?si=79c5JhX5vaLJZBQ1

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Revelation Part 5

https://youtu.be/6Hje9XKQjag?si=kov3NJ6FDJSZ0gZ4

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Revelation Part 4

https://youtu.be/BmHWzYUTTco?si=2y5AhZ4n-K8h8hJb

Monday, June 17, 2024

Revelation Part 3

https://youtu.be/DM42wxJHvG4?si=mTyCw1L3x7lcO44i

Sunday, June 16, 2024

The Awakening Series Part 6: The Sovereignty of the Son in Salvation

https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-tvhab-164272f

Bible Study 2 Timothy 1: 1-18

A Commentary of the Book of 2 Timothy

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 2 Timothy 1: 1-18

1917 Scofield Reference Bible Notes

2 Timothy 1:1

Book Introduction

The Second Epistle of Paul The Apostle to Timothy

WRITER The Apostle Paul (2Ti 1:1)

DATE: The touching letter was written by Paul to his "dearly beloved son" shortly before his martyrdom (2Ti 4:6-8), and contains the last words of the great apostle which inspiration has preserved.

THEME Second Timothy (in common with Second Peter, Jude, and Second and Third John) has to do with the personal walk and testimony of a true servant of Christ in a day of apostasy and declension. The key-phrases are, "All they which are in Asia be turned away from me" (2Ti 1:15); and, "A good soldier of Jesus Christ" (2Ti 2:3). The Asian churches had not disbanded, nor ceased to call themselves Christian, but they had turned away from the doctrines of grace distinctively revealed through the Apostle Paul (see Introduction, p. 1189). This was the proof that already the apostasy had set in its first form, legalism.

The natural divisions are four:

I. The Apostle's greeting, 1.1-18

II. The pathway of an approved servant in a day of apostasy 2.1-26

III. Apostasy and the Word, 3.1-17

IV. A faithful servant and his faithful Lord, 4.1-22

Text:

Guard the Treasure Entrusted to You

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus [a]by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,

2 To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.

3 I am grateful to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience [b]the way my forefathers did, as I unceasingly remember you in my [c]prayers night and day, 4 longing to see you, having remembered your tears, so that I may be filled with joy, 5 [d]being reminded of the unhypocritical faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it is in you as well. 6 For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has not given us a spirit of [e]timidity, but of power and love and [f]self-discipline.

8 Therefore do not be ashamed of either the witness about our Lord or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, 10 but now has been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [g]until that day. 13 [h]Hold to the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14 Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the [i]treasure which has been entrusted to you.

15 You are aware of this: that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my [j]chains, 17 but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me— 18 the Lord [k]grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.

Verse by verse commentary:

Verse 1: “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life in Christ Jesus,”

Paul was an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are no Apostles of Christ today. Paul was the last one He selected. While there are apostles today, they are apostles of the church. Paul gives his credentials as being chosen according to “the will of God.” His message is the “promise of life” that comes when one is born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.

Verse 2: “To Timothy, my beloved child: Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.”

This is more than a standard introduction by Paul. His choice of words expressed his genuine desire for God’s best in Timothy’s life.

Verse 3: “I am grateful to God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my forefathers did, as I unceasingly remember you in my prayers night and day,”

Timothy was on the apostle Paul’s prayer list. When I pastored, I always had a prayer list for my congregation. Do you have a prayer list? If so, do you pray “unceasingly” for those on your list? Paul was grateful to God when he prayed. This should be our attitude as well.

Verse 4: “longing to see you, having remembered your tears, so that I may be filled with joy,”

It is quite apparent that Paul loved Timothy, and this verse tells us that Timothy also loved Paul. The fact that Paul has been arrested, is back in prison, and even faces death really affects Timothy. Paul wanted to see Timothy so that there would be mutual encouragement and joy.

Verse 5: “being reminded of the unhypocritical faith within you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it is in you as well.”

Can you see how blessed you are if you grew up with believing parents and grandparents? Timothy had the same faith as his grandmother and mother. Paul came out of Judaism, but this young man Timothy, apparently, was brought up in a Christian home.

Verse 6: “For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”

When Paul laid his hands on Timothy and ordained him into the ministry, that meant that Timothy was Paul’s partner. Paul shared with him the gift of teaching the Word of God. Paul may have been concerned with Timothy’s not compromising with the world. To keep that from happening, Paul tells Timothy to “kindle afresh the gift of God.” Another translation says, “to stir up the gift within you.” The point is that it was Timothy’s job to do the stirring. May we do likewise.

Verse 7: “For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and self-discipline.”

The word translated “timidity” is literally the word “cowardice.” God does not create cowards in the faith. This strong expression was necessary, given Timothy’s natural shyness and the importance of his situation. Positively, God has already given believers all the spiritual resources they need for every trial and temptation. This kind of love centers on pleasing God and seeking others’ welfare before one’s own. “Self-discipline” refers to a disciplined, self-controlled, and properly prioritized mind.

Verse 8: “Therefore do not be ashamed of either the witness about our Lord or me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,”

There is a feeling today that the Christian life is a life that ought to be very easy, nice and sweet, bright and full of material prosperity. The Lord Jesus Christ made it clear that we would have trouble. He said, “… In the world ye shall have tribulation [trouble]” (Joh. 16:33). Christians will not go through the Great Tribulation, but you and I are certainly going through our own little tribulations. We are to face these challenges not being ashamed of our faith and we can do just that with Holy Spirit power.

Verse 9: “who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,”

Salvation brings the requirement to walk a holy life. We have been saved from our sins, not in our sins. His work in our hearts changes us. The things we once desired to do, we no longer desire. The reason, we are new creations. It was God’s purpose from eternity past to save His elect and cause them to walk in holiness after the image of His Son the Lord Jesus Christ. It was grace that caused us to become Christians. We are saved by grace through faith. It is God’s gift, not your works being rewarded. God is a debtor to no human.

Verse 10: “but now has been manifested by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,”

“Who abolished death” is literally, since He has made of none effect death. Death means something altogether different to the child of God. Christ made it of no effect. Now, God did not eliminate death. We all die and all will be resurrected. The belivers’ sins were judged at Calvary. The non-believer’s sins will be judged at the Great White Throne. Christ is our Mediator, the one Mediator between God and man. God is satisfied with what Christ has done for us. We can approach death much differently than a lost soul. Man cannot be saved by perfect obedience, because he is incapable of rendering it. He cannot be saved by imperfect obedience, because God will not accept it. There is only one solution to the dilemma, and that is the One who said, “… I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” Salvation is 100% of the Lord.

Verse 11: “for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher.”

Paul says he’s a “preacher,” a proclaimer of the Word of God. He also says that he’s “an apostle, and a teacher.” As an apostle he had several gifts. See the note on verse 1 for an explanation of the difference between an Apostle of Christ and an apostle of the church.

Verse 12: “For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.”

Having exhorted Timothy not to be ashamed to speak out for Christ, Paul presents himself as a model of boldness in the face of suffering. “That day” refers to Judgment Day. Paul had confidence that Christ would “guard” that which was surrendered to Him. In is this confidence in Christ that enabled Paul to be bold even while in prison for his faith. May we have the same confidence.

Verse 13: “Hold to the standard of sound words which you have heard from me, in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”

“Sound words” is a theme that runs throughout the Pastoral Letters. The Words of Scripture are sufficient for our Christian walk and faith. There are no new “sound words” today despite the heresy of the charismatic churches. They are the lost leading the lost. Christ is not speaking today to private individuals.

Verse 14: “Guard, through the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, the treasure which has been entrusted to you.”

The “treasure” is the good news of salvation revealed in the Scripture. The Word of God is inerrant and infallible and contains all we need to follow the Lord Jesus Chrust and be saved.

Verse 15: “You are aware of this: that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.”

Paul is probably writing with intentional exaggeration to make sure his readers see the extent of the disloyalty. Asia is now western Turkey. This is the only reference in Scripture of Phygelus and Hermogenes.

Verse 16: “The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains,”

Onesiphorus was a member of the church at Ephesus who distinguished himself through his loyalty to Paul. Paul draws a comparison between Phygelus and Hermogenes who were disloyal and Onesiphorus who was loyal to him.

Verse 17: “but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me—”

Onesiphorus may have come to Rome to aid Paul. His loyalty to Paul was helpful to him. May we be found faithful to those who have oversight of our souls.

Verse 18: ”the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that day—and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.”

Onesiphorus was a busy man, but he made time to locate Paul when he was in prison. Paul may have led him to the Lord, and you can’t despise a man who has led you to Christ.