Philemon 1:6

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

That {G3704} the communication {G2842} of thy {G4675} faith {G4102} may become {G1096} effectual {G1756} by {G1722} the acknowledging {G1922} of every {G3956} good thing {G18} which {G3588} is in {G1722} you {G5213} in {G1519} Christ {G5547} Jesus {G2424}.

I pray that the fellowship based on your commitment will produce full understanding of every good thing that is ours in union with the Messiah.

I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.

that the fellowship of thy faith may become effectual, in the knowledge of every good thing which is in you, unto Christ.

Philemon 1:6 is a significant verse within Paul's short, personal letter to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. It reveals Paul's prayer for Philemon, setting a spiritual foundation for the challenging request concerning Onesimus, his runaway slave.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's opening thanksgiving and prayer for Philemon, immediately following his commendation of Philemon's love and faith (Philemon 1:4-5). Before addressing the specific situation of Onesimus, Paul appeals to Philemon's spiritual maturity and the active nature of his Christian walk. The letter itself is a masterful example of intercessory appeal, highlighting themes of forgiveness, reconciliation, and Christian brotherhood within a complex social structure of the first century Roman world.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Active and Expressive Faith: The phrase "the communication of thy faith" suggests that faith is not merely a private belief but something that is shared, expressed, and has a tangible impact on others. Paul prays for Philemon's faith to be demonstrably effective and fruitful.
  • Acknowledgement of Spiritual Riches: The effectiveness of faith is tied to "the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus." This refers to a deep, experiential recognition of the spiritual virtues, gifts, and blessings that believers possess through their union with Christ. It's not about self-boasting, but a profound appreciation of God's work within us.
  • Source of Goodness: All "good things" are unequivocally rooted "in Christ Jesus." This emphasizes that all true spiritual excellence and capacity for Christian living originate from and are sustained by one's relationship with Christ, providing a rich foundation for Christian living.
  • Purpose of Prayer: Paul's prayer is that Philemon's faith would be fully activated and bring forth fruit, particularly in the context of how he would respond to Onesimus and demonstrate Christian love.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "communication" is koinonia, which broadly means "fellowship," "sharing," or "participation." Here, it implies the active expression or sharing of one's faith, or the practical fruit that faith produces. The term "effectual" comes from energes, meaning "active," "powerful," or "operative." It suggests a faith that is dynamic and produces results, much like the active faith described in James 2:17. "Acknowledging" is from epignosis, denoting a full, precise, and experiential knowledge, not just intellectual understanding, emphasizing a deep appreciation and appropriation of spiritual realities and God's blessings.

Practical Application

Philemon 1:6 encourages believers today to cultivate a faith that is not passive but actively expressed in their lives and interactions. It prompts us to consciously recognize and appreciate the spiritual resources—the virtues, gifts, and divine grace—that God has deposited within us through our union with Christ. When we truly acknowledge these "good things," our faith becomes more powerful and impactful, enabling us to live out our Christian calling more effectively, particularly in matters of forgiveness, kindness, and reconciliation, as Philemon was called to do with Onesimus. This verse reminds us that the effectiveness of our faith stems from an awareness of God's work within us, allowing us to bless others and glorify Him in our daily lives.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 1:8

    For if these things be in you, and abound, they make [you that ye shall] neither [be] barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  • Philippians 1:9

    ¶ And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and [in] all judgment;

  • Philippians 1:11

    Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  • 1 Peter 1:5

    Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

  • 1 Peter 1:8

    Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see [him] not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory:

  • Colossians 1:9

    ¶ For this cause we also, since the day we heard [it], do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;

  • Matthew 5:16

    Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
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