Who was Onesiphorus?
Onesiphorus diligently combed the great city of Rome in search of his friend and mentor. It was a dangerous time to be a Christian there, and even more dangerous to associate with the man he was searching for—a friend who had been imprisoned.
Onesiphorus would have visited a number of prison gates before arriving at Mamertine Prison located on the side of Capitoline Hill, in the heart of the city. It contained a hideous lower chamber filled with the stench of its prisoners.
The prisoner had many other "trusted" friends, but they had turned their backs on him, perhaps fearing for their own lives. Only Onesiphorus had the courage to find and comfort his friend in what was surely his darkest hour.
The guards, once agreeing not to simply arrest Onesiphorus, would have secured a rope around his chest and under his arms to lower him deep into the dungeon where his friend was chained to a wall, awaiting his execution.
Imagine the surprise on the prisoner's face when he sees the man being lowered into his chamber. Perhaps he shed tears of joy or sung praises aloud. For his friend, Onesiphorus, had come to refresh him! He was not ashamed to be called his friend, nor was he ashamed of the iron chains at his hands and feet! And it was there that Onesiphorus embraced his friend and spiritual mentor, the Apostle Paul.
If you know the story above, you know I am speaking of the Biblical account found in 2 Timothy. The story of Onesiphorus is a story of a true hero of the faith. When so many had turned against Paul, he risked his own life to bring him friendship and fellowship. We all need friends like Onesiphorus!
I love sharing stories like these that are a part of God's Divine Narrative. Every event and every figure in the Bible existed for a reason. The account of Onesiphorus is one of grave disappointment and extreme dedication. When so many had abandoned the Apostle Paul, one man risked his own life to bring sweet fellowship. The event not only encourages us to be a trusted friend to whom God calls us, but it also reminds us how even those who call themselves Christians can quickly become cowards when dangers come.
God's Divine Narrative can be defined as every event, as presented in Scripture, that interconnects and reveals God's amazing plan for mankind. When we focus on individual Scripture passages or leave behind portions of the Bible, we miss out on the riches God has given us.
Every day, as we work on the iBIBLE, we become more and more excited about the opportunity to create a visual and interactive presentation of God's Divine Narrative. The iBIBLE will be no less than 3,000 animated pages containing all the events that make up the Holy Bible. It will be free to translate and free to the world.
And when I read about Biblical figures like Onesiphorus, I immediately begin to envision how we will animate the scene of him being lowered into the dungeon where Paul is chained. I envision the embrace and joy they will have. I believe there is nothing more powerful than presenting the truths of God's Word in a visual format, free to the world.
Every day, more and more people join our team to help make the Bible come to life through the iBIBLE project. We thank each and every one of you for your prayers and financial support. We have lots of exciting things coming in 2020, along with releasing the first version of the iBIBLE App for the iPhone.
Your prayers and support are making iBIBLE possible. You are helping us present every event, including that of Onesiphorus, in a single visual presentation of the entire Bible. You are helping us create a visual narrative that can be translated into any of the 7,000+ living languages of the world. Thank you for being part of our team!
If you are not familiar with our iBIBLE project, please click on the banner below to learn more.
Be inspired by the story of Onesiphorus this Sunday. In a day when many may turn away, press forward to your high upward calling. Embrace those who faithfully serve with you. And may the Lord grant you the strength and courage in your journey!
Have a blessed Sunday,
Steve Cleary
RevelationMedia
CEO/Founder
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