Philemon 1:6

Commentary on Philemon 1:6

King James Version (public domain):
“That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” — Philemon 1:6

1. Setting the Scene: The Letter to Philemon

The Epistle to Philemon[i] is one of the most personal letters written by the Apostle Paul. It is addressed to Philemon, a Christian in Colossae, concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave who had since become a believer under Paul’s ministry.

Paul’s tone is pastoral, affectionate, and deeply relational. He appeals not through command but through love. The entire letter is a living example of gospel-shaped reconciliation.

Relevant context from Philemon 1 includes:

• Paul’s thanksgiving for Philemon’s love and faith:
  Philemon 1:5 — “Hearing of thy love and faith, which thou hast toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all saints.”
• Paul’s confidence in Philemon’s obedience:
  Philemon 1:21 — “Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.”
• Paul’s appeal for Onesimus:
  Philemon 1:10–11 — “I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.”

This relational, pastoral context shapes the meaning of verse 6.

2. Exegetical Commentary on Philemon 1:6

2.1 “The communication of thy faith”

The word “communication” translates the Greek koinōnia, meaning fellowship, sharing, partnership, or participation. Paul is not speaking about evangelism here, but about the lived, relational expression of faith within the Christian community.

Philemon’s faith is not a private possession. It is something shared, embodied, and experienced in community.

This aligns with Paul’s earlier commendation:
Philemon 1:5 — “Hearing of thy love and faith… toward all saints.”

Faith becomes visible through love, hospitality, forgiveness, and generosity.

2.2 “May become effectual”

“Effectual” means active, powerful, fruitful, or effective. Paul prays that Philemon’s shared faith will not remain theoretical but will produce real spiritual fruit.

This fruitfulness is not self-generated. It flows from Christ’s work in believers.

2.3 “By the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus”

This phrase is the theological heart of the verse.

“Acknowledging” means recognising, understanding, and embracing.
“Every good thing” refers to the blessings, virtues, and graces that Christ has worked in Philemon.

Paul is saying:
Your faith becomes powerful and fruitful when you recognise and live out the good things Christ has already placed in you.

This includes:

• love
• forgiveness
• generosity
• humility
• reconciliation
• unity
• compassion

These are not natural virtues. They are gifts of grace.

Paul’s appeal for Onesimus depends on this truth. Philemon is to forgive and receive Onesimus because Christ has already worked good things in him.

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3. Theological Insights

3.1 Union with Christ

The phrase “in Christ Jesus” is central. All “good things” in the believer come from union with Christ.

This reflects broader New Testament teaching:

• John 15:5 — “I am the vine, ye are the branches… without me ye can do nothing.”
• Galatians 2:20 — “Christ liveth in me.”

Christian theology emphasises that sanctification flows from union with Christ. Paul grounds Philemon’s obedience not in moral effort but in Christ’s life within him.

3.2 Faith expressed through love

Paul’s prayer echoes his teaching elsewhere:

• Galatians 5:6 — “Faith which worketh by love.”
• James 2:17 — “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

Faith is not merely intellectual assent. It is relational and active.

3.3 Gospel-shaped reconciliation

The entire letter is a case study in reconciliation. Paul does not command Philemon to forgive Onesimus; he appeals to the gospel at work in him.

This models how Christian ethics flow from gospel identity.

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4. Application to Modern Christian Living

4.1 Recognise Christ’s work in you

Paul teaches that spiritual fruitfulness begins with acknowledging what Christ has already done in you.

Meditate on:

• the forgiveness you have received
• the Spirit who dwells in you
• the gifts and graces Christ has given you

This is not self-congratulation. It is Christ-exaltation.

4.2 Let your faith be shared, not hidden

“Koinōnia” calls believers to:

• open their homes
• share their resources
• bear one another’s burdens
• practise hospitality
• forgive freely
• reconcile courageously

Faith becomes “effectual” when it is lived out in community.

4.3 Pursue reconciliation

Philemon is a model for modern believers facing relational fractures. The gospel calls us to:

• forgive those who have wronged us
• seek restoration
• treat others as brothers and sisters in Christ
• let love lead rather than pride or resentment

4.4 Let the gospel shape your relationships

Paul’s pastoral approach shows how deeply the gospel transforms social structures. In Christ, Onesimus is no longer merely a slave but a brother.

Modern Christians are called to see others through the lens of the gospel, not through worldly categories.

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5. Meditation Guide on Philemon 1:6

Step 1: Read the verse slowly

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

Sit with each phrase. Let it settle.

Step 2: Reflect on Christ’s work in you

Ask:

• What “good things” has Christ placed in me?
• Where do I see His grace at work?
• What virtues is He calling me to recognise and live out?

Step 3: Consider your relationships

Who is your “Onesimus”?

• Someone who has wronged you
• Someone you find difficult
• Someone who needs forgiveness or restoration

How might Christ be calling you to respond?

Step 4: Pray for effectual faith

Ask God to make your faith active, fruitful, and visible.

Step 5: Act in love

Choose one concrete expression of gospel-shaped love today:

• a phone call
• an apology
• an act of generosity
• a step toward reconciliation

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[i] Philemon

King James Version

1 Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

2 And to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus our fellowsoldier, and to the church in thy house:

3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

4 I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers,

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

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

7 For we have great joy and consolation in thy love, because the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee, brother.

8 Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

9 Yet for love’s sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

10 I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds:

11 Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me:

12 Whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels:

13 Whom I would have retained with me, that in thy stead he might have ministered unto me in the bonds of the gospel:

14 But without thy mind would I do nothing; that thy benefit should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly.

15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that thou shouldest receive him for ever;

16 Not now as a servant, but above a servant, a brother beloved, specially to me, but how much more unto thee, both in the flesh, and in the Lord?

17 If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.

18 If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account;

19 I Paul have written it with mine own hand, I will repay it: albeit I do not say to thee how thou owest unto me even thine own self besides.

20 Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

21 Having confidence in thy obedience I wrote unto thee, knowing that thou wilt also do more than I say.

22 But withal prepare me also a lodging: for I trust that through your prayers I shall be given unto you.

23 There salute thee Epaphras, my fellowprisoner in Christ Jesus;

24 Marcus, Aristarchus, Demas, Lucas, my fellowlabourers.

25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.