Paul chose Timothy to be his mission apprentice and then spiritual associate who would help grow the churches Paul had established (Acts 16:1-5).  Before his conversion, Timothy had the great blessing of a godly mother and grandmother who had prepared him to trust in Jesus.  Even though, initially, they did not know about Christ, they believed in God’s promise of the Messiah.  

Paul was in prison because he preached Christ Jesus, the Son of God, the Saviour of the world and the judge of everybody (Colossians 4:3).  Instead of telling Timothy that everything would be all right in Ephesus, Paul told him that there was no shame in suffering for Christ and the gospel.  Godly people are not liked by the world and those who stand up for Jesus may find that they are persecuted (2 Timothy 3:12).

Today’s title does not seem very appealing!  Most of us will do anything to avoid suffering.  But the Apostle Paul knew that faith in Christ and suffering are linked (Philippians 1:29).  Jesus Himself was flogged and crucified (Matthew 20:18-19): and before his conversion, Paul had persecuted the church, throwing men and women into prison, and approving their execution (Acts 22:19-20).

Rome, under Nero’s rule, was a dangerous place for Christians.  Many were being imprisoned and killed.  Paul was being held secretly somewhere away from the main prison and Onesiphorus had to search hard to find him – and was not afraid to identify himself as another believer in Jesus.  However it was costly: Paul’s prayer for God’s mercy to be on Onesiphorus’ family, and Paul’s special greeting to them (2 Timothy 4:19) indicates that he died serving the Lord because of his compassion to Paul.