2 Timothy 4:19Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Onesiphorus was with him in Rome, as he himself says: “May the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord in that Day” (2 Tim 1:18). By such a greeting he also makes his household more zealous for similar struggles. “Greet,” he says, “Prisca and Aquila.” These are the persons whom he often mentions, with whom he lived, and who received Apollos (Acts 18). He places the wife first, it seems to me, because she was more zealous and more devoted to the faith. She was the one who then received Apollos. Or perhaps he does this without distinction. Such a greeting was no small consolation for them. It served as proof of his honor and love, and it brought them great grace. For even the greeting of such a holy and blessed man could fill with great grace the one counted worthy of that greeting.

“Greet Prisca and Aquila.” These are the persons who received Apollos and instructed him in the faith. Paul himself also enjoyed their hospitality, and he constantly remembered them. He places the wife first because she was more zealous and more devoted to the faith. She also instructed Apollos in the faith. Or perhaps the Apostle does this without distinction. He gives his greeting partly to comfort them, partly to express honor and love. More importantly, he gives great grace. For even the greeting of such a blessed and holy man could fill the one who received it with great grace. “And the household of Onesiphorus,” that is, his household members. He himself was in Rome and ministered to Paul in his bonds, as was said above. By his greeting the Apostle makes them more zealous to advance in similar works.

The Apostle again placed the wife before the husband, because she was without doubt more zealous and had greater eagerness for what is good. But since Onesiphorus was with Timothy, he greeted his household and, in the greeting, bestowed a blessing.

“Greet Priscilla and Aquila.” I think he placed the wife’s name before the husband’s because of her exceptional zeal for the faith of Christ. She received Apollos into her house and instructed him in the teaching of the faith; Acts 18:26. The Apostle often mentions this honorable couple; Acts 18:2.

“And the household of Onesiphorus.” That is, those who were in the house of Onesiphorus. Onesiphorus himself was not at home. He was then in Rome, as was mentioned above; 2 Tim 1:16.

The Apostle Paul informs Timothy that his own end is near and asks him to come to him quickly. He says that all except Luke have abandoned him. He gives Timothy certain instructions for the journey. He recounts the help of God shown to him after his first defense in court. He charges him to greet Priscilla and Aquila and the household of Onesiphorus, and he sends greetings from certain Roman brethren.

The greetings from himself and from others, together with the reports and good wishes, testify to the historical situation in which the Apostle then found himself. They also show his disposition, outwardly troubled, yet inwardly unshaken and free. It is clear that it was no longer he who lived, but Christ, Whom he loved so much and for Whom he gave himself over to every torment. He desires the same inspiration by Jesus Christ for Timothy, and for the other members the usual growth in the various gifts of grace. Concerning the well-known helpers of Paul, Aquila and Prisca, Saint John Chrysostom observes, “These are the persons whom the Apostle often mentions (Rom 16:3; 1 Cor 16:19). He lived with them, and they received Apollos. This greeting was no small consolation for them.

In the following reports about himself and his work, the Apostle appears to us as one who has in no way lost courage, even in view of his approaching death. For example, he remembers the cloak left in Troas and some books that he needed. Speaking of his first appearance at trial or interrogation, he notes that no acquaintances or friends were seen around him. According to Roman custom, such people supported the accused with their voices. But the Lord helped him instead. He had promised to give His apostles the power of the Holy Spirit, so that they might stand firm at trial (Mt 10:19-20). Thus the preaching of the Gospel was fulfilled. Proclaimed in the world city, before representatives of world authority, it reached, so to speak, its culminating point.

Aquila and Prisca, who had been returning to Rome (see Rom 16:3), are now again in Ephesus. Probably they went to Rome for a time to settle their affairs there, having decided to live in Asia Minor thereafter. Nero’s frenzy could have hastened their departure from Rome. See the Epistle to the Romans concerning them. Saint Chrysostom says of them, “These are the persons whom the Apostle often mentions. He lived with them, and they received Apollos. This greeting was no small consolation for them. It served as proof of his honor and love, and it brought them great grace. For even the greeting of such a holy and blessed man could fill with great grace the one counted worthy of it.” Concerning Onesiphorus, see above (2 Tim 1:16-17).