2 Timothy 1:15-16

Paul begins to tell Timothy about how those who are in Asia turned away from him. This is something that Timothy already knows, since Paul indicates that it is something Timothy is aware of. Paul names two of the people who turned away from him, Phygelus and Hermogenes. Not much is known about them, but Paul names these two in particular. In contrast to those who turned away from Paul, Onesiphorus often refreshed Paul. One thing in particular Paul notes about Onesiphorus is that Onesiphorus was not ashamed of Paul's chains. Some people were ashamed of Paul and therefore didn't associate themselves with Paul. Once again there's this issue with being ashamed. Paul tells Timothy to not be ashamed and he later describes how he is not ashamed. Another example of not being ashamed is shown in Onesiphorus, who is not ashamed of Paul's chains. Paul was in prison at the time. Paul is of course a follower of Jesus Christ, sharing the good news of the gospel. As a result, was persecuted by others, and thus, was thrown in prison. To help Paul or refresh him would probably endanger a person to being thrown into prison as well. Perhaps this is why Paul wishes God to grant mercy on Onesiphorus. Regardless of the probable danger, Onesiphorus still helped Paul. We should try to be like Onesiphorus, ready and able to do the right thing in the face of persecution. He probably was persecuted, but he helped Paul regardless.