Bringing profit, an Ephesian Christian who showed great kindness to Paul at Rome. He served him in many things, and had oft refreshed him. Paul expresses a warm interest in him and his household (2 Tim. 1:16-18; 4:19).
Onesiphorus
Some people are remembered mainly for one act of loyalty. Onesiphorus was such a man. Paul, writing near the end of his life from prison, says he “oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain.” When Onesiphorus reached Rome he “sought me out very diligently, and found me,” which suggests a search through the city rather than a quick visit. Paul asks the Lord to show mercy to his whole house and sends greetings to his household at the close of the letter. The text tells us little else about him, but a prisoner’s thanks is recorded here. Look for him in 2 Timothy 1:16 to 18.
3 verses
2 Timothy
2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:
2 Timothy 1:17
But, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.
2 Timothy 4:19
Salute Prisca and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
From Easton's Bible Dictionary
Matthew George Easton, 1897
From Smith's Bible Dictionary
William Smith, 1884
(bringing profit) is named twice only in the New Testament, viz. (2 Timothy 1:16-18) and 2Tim 4:19 Paul mentions him in terms of grateful love as having a noble courage and generosity in his behalf, amid his trials as a prisoner at Rome, when others from whom he expected better things had deserted him. (2 Timothy 4:16) Probably other members of the family were also active Christians. (2 Timothy 4:19) It is evident from (2 Timothy 1:18) that Onesiphorus had his home at Ephesus. (A.D. 64.)