Philemon 1:6 - Printer Friendly

ESV: and I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ.

NIV: I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ.

NASB: and I pray that the fellowship of your faith may become effective through the knowledge of every good thing which is in you for the sake of Christ.

CSB: I pray that your participation in the faith may become effective through knowing every good thing that is in us for the glory of Christ.

NLT: And I am praying that you will put into action the generosity that comes from your faith as you understand and experience all the good things we have in Christ.

KJV: That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

NKJV: that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.

Paul again mentions prayer (Philemon 1:4), asking for effective evangelism by Philemon. This was an important early emphasis in this letter. Paul's grounds for asking Philemon to free his runaway slave Onesimus is the fact that Onesimus had become a Christian, and could fulfill his God-given purpose even more effectively as a free man.

The "full knowledge" Paul mentions is a reference to spiritual maturity. This maturity is said to be in regards to "every good thing," stressing a mature knowledge about all areas of life. In particular, this requires growth and development in one's Christian walk. This is an important point from Paul—he is about to ask Philemon to perform an enormous act of forgiveness and free his runaway slave. The slave, Onesimus, had actually returned along with the letter.

The reference to Christ can be translated as "for the sake of Christ," "for Christ's service," or even "for the glory of Christ." This highlights Paul and Philemon's mutual role in serving Christ together, both in personal growth and evangelism. Every believer is called to grow in the Lord and to share Him with others. Paul and Philemon had different spiritual gifts, but were part of the same "body" committed to serving the Lord (1 Corinthians 12) and fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18–20).

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.