II Timothy 1: 15-18
(15) You are aware of the fact that all who are in Asia turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes.
When Paul mentions Asia, he is referencing the Roman province, at the west end of Asia Minor.
Paul spent over three years in Ephesus, and while he was there the Gospel went out all over the province (Acts 19:10). Paul must have been especially disappointed with these two, to name them.
These Asians probably turned away from Paul when he was arrested and taken to Rome in disgrace for his second and final imprisonment.
(16) The Lord grant mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains;
This is one who realized Paul's sterling character, and the chains he was hauled off in didn't denigrate his opinion of him. Paul appreciated his consistent hospitality.
(17) but when he was in Rome, he eagerly searched for me and found me--
This man was determined to find Paul when he went to Rome. There were a lot of prisoners, but he "searched hard" for Paul until he finally found him.
(18) the Lord grant to him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day--and you know very well what services he rendered at Ephesus.
Paul reminds Timothy of the services he rendered while he was still at the home church in Ephesus, and prays that God would have mercy on him when Jesus returns on that Day to judge for rewards.
O my Father, I pray for Your church today, please help Your children to see one another with Your eyes, as siblings in Your family. Even when we are hauled away in disgraceful chains. It's when we're treated this way that we'll know who our real friends are.
My Father, strengthen all of Your family members to uphold one another when times of trouble come, and we are being arrested for our faith. Help us all to stand strong for our faith and for one another.
O Father, send out Your children all over the whole world, so that every living person will hear how much You have loved us all, and known each of us, wanting every one of us to turn to You and accept Your generosity and gracious gift.
And every eye shall see, every knee will bow, every tongue will proclaim that Jesus is our Christ, our Messiah, our Savior and Redeemer, the Lord God Almighty, sovereign King over all Creation; to the everlasting glory of Almighty God the Father, for ever and ever. Amen.
Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!
