Does it sound like Paul thinks he fell away from the faith because of fear of persecution?
(2 Timothy 1:15-18)
You are aware that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains, but when he arrived in Rome he searched for me earnestly and found me-- may the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day!--and you well know all the service he rendered at Ephesus.
2006-12-23 13:33:05 · 5 answers · asked by Martin S 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
If Paul was praising him then why is he hoping that Onesiphorous will find mercy? Doesn't it seem like Paul is remembering his faithful service and hoping that his moment of weakness isn't counted against him?
2006-12-23 13:41:57 · update #1
You seem to be misunderstanding the word "mercy" in that scripture. You seem to be inferring from it that he needs to be spared from the wrath of God.
By "mercy" Paul is referring to "compassion" or "blessing". He is asking God to show "compassion" or give "blessing" to Onesiphorus as a thanks for the blessing that he had been to Paul.
He ask especially that he receive that "on that Day", referring to the time when Christians will be rewarded for their good deeds.
If you take the time to read Paul's writings, you will see that he teaches that Christians will not face the wrath of God nor any kind of punishment. Rather they will receive rewards based on their works. (See 1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
When you read all of the book, it is easy to see all the answers...
2006-12-23 13:48:45 · answer #1 · answered by dewcoons 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
wow Paul was such a player
I dont' think he meant for these personal letters to later be thought to be the words of a god
he was a great modern day Tent preacher, in fact that was his profession, to make and repair them
in the end he too fell like Jimmy Baker and all those who put morals on others until caught in lies like in book of Acts if you read it as it is, not as others want you to read into it
go for it. I dare ya. Compare Acts 15 and the judgement of the elders to the same in Acts 21 and 22 and his arrest and sudden turn to become a Roman (totally blasphemous at the time) and seek protection from the Jews, Christians and his greek gentile converts who believed his new invented religion
2006-12-23 13:41:00 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
On the contrary, Paul was praising him for staying strong, not only at home, but in Rome as well. Paul wanted everyone back home to know how he was acting.
2006-12-23 13:39:28 · answer #3 · answered by guitar teacher 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No! It was the other way around; Paul said; This thou knowest, that "all they" which are in Asia be "turned away from me" of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.
2006-12-23 13:40:18 · answer #4 · answered by n_007pen 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. Paul was honoring Onesiphorus for his faithful service to him, and to The Church.
2006-12-23 13:40:43 · answer #5 · answered by Minister 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋