Philemon 1:5 - Printer Friendly

ESV: because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,

NIV: because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.

NASB: because I hear of your love and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints;

CSB: because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that you have in the Lord Jesus.

NLT: because I keep hearing about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God’s people.

KJV: Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints;

NKJV: hearing of your love and faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints,

Verse 5 gives two traits Paul considered especially important in Philemon. Paul had heard all the way from Rome about Philemon's love and faith. This "love" is agape, a Greek word for selfless love focused on others.

The second half of the verse reveals that Philemon's love and faith focused on two main areas: "the Lord Jesus" and "all the saints." This is the third mention of Jesus in just five verses, one of six times Jesus is mentioned in just 25 verses of this short letter. In all six cases, Jesus is called "Christ," or "Lord," or both. Paul repeatedly emphasized the divine nature of Jesus.

The term "saints" in the New Testament is not referring to a special group of exceptional people, but to every person with true faith in Jesus Christ. This term is sometimes translated as "holy people." Paul considered all Christians saints (Philemon 1:7), referring to the Christians of Colossae as saints four times in Colossians chapter 1 (Colossians 1:2–4, 12, 26).

This means the "saints" mentioned here in verse 5 are the believers of the Colossian church, who met in Philemon's house (Philemon 1:3). Philemon was also known for generosity toward Paul and other believers.

Philemon 1:4–7 describes Paul’s positive views of Philemon. Paul says he not only thanks God for Philemon, but does so always. Paul praises Philemon’s selfless acts of love and generosity, especially those towards fellow Christians. This is meant to set the stage for Paul’s upcoming request: that Philemon forgive and free his runaway slave, Onesimus.

Philemon is a letter from Paul, regarding a runaway slave named Onesimus. Paul respectfully requests that Philemon forgive his runaway slave, free him, and allow him to serve Christ without restrictions. Philemon was a prominent figure in the church of Colossae. Paul goes so far as to ask Philemon to charge any debts owed by Onesimus to Paul himself.

Philemon is short enough that it only contains a single chapter. Because Paul knows Philemon personally, and has only positive things to say about him, there is no need for a lengthy discussion. Paul appeals to Philemon to forgive and release his runaway slave, Onesimus. Onesimus, a convert to Christianity, seems be the one sent to deliver this letter to his former master.

Philemon is one of the shorter books in the Bible, but it contains some important information. The Christian concept of slavery cannot be understood without a proper review of this letter. Paul recognizes the facts of slavery in his era, and does not command Philemon to release Onesimus. However, he does appeal to the unity we share in Christ as a reason for Philemon to set this man free.