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Philemon’s Faith and Love
In these verses, Paul tells Philemon why he thanks God for him. The passage highlights prayer, love, faith, shared life in Christ, and the encouragement one believer can bring to others.
Understanding the passage
The setting of these words
This short part of the letter opens with thanksgiving and prayer. Paul speaks directly to Philemon, reporting what he has heard about Philemon’s love and faith, and explaining the joy and comfort this has brought to Paul and to other saints.
Philemon 1:4–7Main takeaway
Christian faith in the Lord Jesus is meant to be seen in love that strengthens and refreshes other believers.
Follow the letter’s teaching
Open a card to explore the full explanation and its Bible references.
01Paul begins with thanks and prayerPaul says he thanks God always and mentions Philemon in his prayers. This shows that his words of encouragement are grounded in prayer to God, not mere politeness.
Explanation
Paul says he thanks God always and mentions Philemon in his prayers. This shows that his words of encouragement are grounded in prayer to God, not mere politeness. The focus begins with gratitude, and Philemon’s life gives Paul a reason to keep praying with thanks.
02Love and faith are both namedPaul has heard of Philemon’s love and faith. The faith is directed toward the Lord Jesus, while love is shown toward all the saints.
Explanation
Paul has heard of Philemon’s love and faith. The faith is directed toward the Lord Jesus, while love is shown toward all the saints. These two belong together in the passage. Faith is not described as private only, because Paul connects it with loving other believers.
03Faith shared in fellowship becomes effectivePaul prays that the fellowship of Philemon’s faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing in believers in Christ Jesus.
Explanation
Paul prays that the fellowship of Philemon’s faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing in believers in Christ Jesus. Fellowship here points to faith being shared or expressed with others. Paul links this effectiveness with knowing the good things that are in Christ’s people.
04Love brings joy, comfort and refreshmentPaul says he has had much joy and comfort in Philemon’s love. He then gives the reason: the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through Philemon.
Explanation
Paul says he has had much joy and comfort in Philemon’s love. He then gives the reason: the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through Philemon. The passage ends personally with the word brother, showing warm Christian affection alongside the practical effect of Philemon’s love.
Questions to explore
Pause, look back at the verses and talk together.
01What does Paul actually say he does for Philemon before mentioning Philemon’s actions?
Look first at Paul’s response: he thanks God and mentions Philemon in his prayers before describing Philemon’s love and faith.
02According to the passage, where are Philemon’s faith and love directed?
Notice the two directions in the verse: faith is toward the Lord Jesus, and love is toward all the saints.
03What results from Philemon’s love in verse 7?
Paul names three effects connected with Philemon’s love: joy, comfort, and the refreshing of the saints’ hearts.
Read the Bible passage
World English Bible ClassicScripture quotation · Public domain
Philemon 1:4–7
4I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers,
5hearing of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,
6that the fellowship of your faith may become effective in the knowledge of every good thing which is in us in Christ Jesus.
7For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.