Onesiphorus - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

The Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain; but when he arrived in Rome, he sought me out very zealously and found me.
2 Timothy 1:16–17

Onesiphorus
In 1 John 3:18, we read, “My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue but in deed and in truth.” Onesiphorus provides a beautiful example of this genuine, active brotherly love. He travelled from Ephesus to Rome to visit the imprisoned apostle.

Onesiphorus didn’t hesitate to stand by Paul, even when all the Christians in Asia had turned away from the apostle. He didn’t mind being the friend and fellow believer of a prisoner. His courage impresses us and encourages us to help fellow Christians who may not be highly regarded in the world or who are even despised.

Onesiphorus didn’t give up when he was unable to find Paul immediately. He diligently continued his search to find out where the apostle was imprisoned. The Lord rewarded his perseverance; after a prolonged search, he found Paul. His perseverance encourages us not to lose sight of a goal that the Lord has shown us but to pursue it with His help.

When Onesiphorus finally found the imprisoned apostle, he often refreshed him. He visited him not just once but multiple times. Moreover, he cared deeply about encouraging Paul in his difficult situation. He was with him in the prison cell, having fellowship with him. His love is worth imitating: we, as the Lord shows us, should cultivate relationships within the family of God in order to encourage others in the faith.

Today’s reading: Jeremiah 41:11-42:6 · Romans 10:1-13