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Date:         Sun, 27 Sep 1992 16:54:22 EDT
From:         "(Tim King)" <timk@WORLD.STD.COM>
Subject:      Re: Bible prayer for the dead

> It has been asked whether there is anything in the New Testament to
> support the idea of prayer for the dead. Consider 2 Timothy 1:16-18
> (RSV):
>        [ quote omitted ]
>
> It will doubtless be replied that Paul does not say in so many words
> that Onesiphorus is dead. But what are the alternatives?  Paul does
> not simply ask God to bless the family of Onesiphorus, and the man
> himself. He speaks of mercy, which suggests that they are in some
> kind of trouble or distress or danger.

This line of argument is not very fruitful.  In order to show this, I have
performed a small study on the word "mercy." My pastor, a long-time bible
scholar who is skilled in the biblical languages, has checked my notes and
conclusions and even assisted me in this study.

First, I'd like to point out that the word "mercy" often does, as James
Keifer stated, suggest initial trouble of some sort.  (Matt 9:27; Mk
10:47-48; Lk 16:24; Phil 2:27)

Mercy also often refers to the fact that God does not give us the
punishment we deserve as sinners.  Instead, He saves us.  (Matt 9:13; Luke
1:77-78; Rom 9:14-23; Tit 3:3-7; 1 Pet 1:3-5)

A wish of mercy was sometimes used in greeting.  (Gal 6:16; 2 Tim 1:2; Tit
1:4; 2 John 1:3)

Of Onesiphorus, Paul is speaking of mercy in the judgement.  He says, "may
the Lord grant him to find mercy from the Lord on that Day." (cf. Matt
5:7; 25:34-40; 2 Tim 1:12; Jude 21) In 2 Thess 1:10-12, Paul describes
this Day and says, "we also pray always for you [the church in
Thessalonica] that our God would count you worthy of this calling." (NKJV)
A prayer for mercy in this context does not apply to those who are
unsaved, or even necessarily dead.  In other words, Onesiphorus' salvation
is never in question.

The Old Testament counterpart for "mercy" refers to a covenant
relationship with God.  This makes much more sense in the context of 2 Tim
1:18, and it is probable that Paul might've used the word in this sense,
as both Paul and Timothy had a Jewish background.  In this case, Paul
would be saying "By God's covenant, Onesiphorus deserves great reward for
his faith and works; may he receive it."


In support of the statement that Onesiphorus was dead, a more helpful
observation is that nowhere does Paul speak of Onesiphorus in the present.
However, he mentions the household of Onesiphorus twice.  (2 Tim 1:16;
4:19) There is not even agreement among scholars on the implications of
this point, though.  It does not conclusively show that Onesiphorus is not
alive.

One thing is certain:  Paul was using a close friend, who had been good to
him, as an example to Timothy.  In verses 8-12, he speaks of not being
ashamed of the Gospel or of the consequences of it.  Then, after charging
Timothy to hold to his stance, he says, "This you know, that all those in
Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes."
(2 Tim 1:15, NKJV) In verses 16-18, he contrasts Onesiphorus' attitude,
which was just the opposite.  Evidently, Onesiphorus is a close friend of
Paul.  Paul continues, "You therefore, [Timothy] my son, be strong in the
grace that is in Christ Jesus." (2 Tim 2:1) Paul's blessing on Onesiphorus
was intended as an illustration, to Timothy, of an upright man.

Onesiphorus may indeed be away on business, as Mr. Keifer has suggested.
However, James Keifer is incorrect in stating that Paul's language is
overly strong for this situation, as I have pointed out above.  As to the
other objection, Paul had a good reason for singling out Onesiphorus:  He
was a close friend, and Paul wanted to use him as an example to Timothy.

In any case, it is important to point out that, assuming Onesiphorus is
indeed deceased, Paul does not support the notion of Purgatory or of a
prayer that can "change the mind of God" concerning the dead.  His
petition for Onesiphorus is offered merely in passing, as more of a wish
than a prayer.  It in no way implies that Onesiphorus would otherwise not
go to heaven, as neither Onesiphorus' salvation nor his works were ever in
question.  Paul was expressing his heart, saying that Onesiphorus was
deserving of God's mercy at His judgement seat.

In conclusion, the question of whether Onesiphorus was dead or alive is
not important to the point Paul is trying to make.  It is also not
necessary in understanding Paul's blessing on his friend.  The apostle was
not being deeply theological at this moment.  He was not setting forth a
command to pray for the deceased.  He was stating that practical
Christ-likeness is extremely valuable.  He was urging the reader to hold
to faith in Jesus Christ.

-TimK
--
Tim King                  |  Some of us favor logic in making decisions.
24 Myrtle Street          |  Some, emotions.  I, personally, get very    |\
Dedham, MA 02026          |  emotional about faulty logic! :-)           | >
timk@world.std.com        |                                             <>
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