Free Bible Commentary
“Philemon 1:1-7”
Categories: Philemon“Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow worker, and to Apphia our sister, and to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I thank my God always, making mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints; and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for Christ’s sake. For I have come to have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother.”
---End of Scripture verses---
One of the most refreshing things that a prisoner can hear is good news from the outside world. Paul had good reason to thank God because of the good reports he received about the active love and faith of many of his fellow kingdom servants. Philemon and his good family were people who could be counted upon to uplift the hearts of the saints and provide spiritual refreshment for the Lord’s people. They were willing to open up their home as a gathering place for the church, and they were known for their eagerness to share (fellowship) their blessings with others who had need of them.
Paul’s personal experience of Philemon’s benevolence, and the news from Epaphras that Philemon’s love and faithfulness flourished toward the Lord and His people, really brought Paul “much joy and comfort” during a tough time in his life. It may seem like Paul was just buttering his brother up before the request he made on behalf of his beloved Onesimus, but he was actually explaining to Philemon the reason why he had confidence to make such a bold entreaty of him and not an authoritative demand (verses 8-9).
Are we the sort of disciples that the Lord and His people can have great confidence in to be generous in times of need and faithful in all circumstances? Are the expressions of our love and faith for the Lord like a breath of fresh air to the saints who are struggling to keep their heads above water? I want to follow in the footsteps of Philemon and be the source of much thanksgiving and joy and comfort and refreshment and love to other people!
Please read Philemon 1:8-9 for tomorrow.
Have a great day!
- Louie Taylor
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