Philemon 1:7

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

For {G1063} we have {G2192} great {G4183} joy {G5485} and {G2532} consolation {G3874} in {G1909} thy {G4675} love {G26}, because {G3754} the bowels {G4698} of the saints {G40} are refreshed {G373} by {G1223} thee {G4675}, brother {G80}.

For your love has given me much joy and encouragement. Brother, you have refreshed the hearts of God’s people.

I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.

For I had much joy and comfort in thy love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.

Philemon 1:7 is a heartfelt expression from the Apostle Paul, likely dictated from prison, to Philemon, a wealthy Christian in Colossae. In this verse, Paul conveys his deep appreciation and joy for Philemon's character and actions, specifically how his love has positively impacted fellow believers.

Context

The book of Philemon is a personal letter from Paul, primarily concerning Onesimus, a runaway slave who had become a Christian under Paul's ministry and was now being sent back to his master, Philemon. Before making his appeal for Onesimus, Paul begins by commending Philemon, establishing a foundation of shared faith and mutual respect. This verse, Philemon 1:7, serves to highlight Philemon's sterling reputation for Christian love and service, setting the stage for Paul's delicate request regarding Onesimus.

Key Themes

  • Joy and Consolation in Christian Love: Paul expresses profound joy and comfort, not just in Philemon's belief, but specifically in his active demonstration of love. This underscores that Christian love is not merely a sentiment but a powerful, observable force that brings encouragement to others.
  • Mutual Refreshment within the Community: The verse emphasizes the reciprocal nature of Christian fellowship. Philemon's love has a tangible, refreshing effect on "the saints," illustrating how believers are called to uplift and support one another. This highlights the importance of mutual edification and care within the body of Christ.
  • The Impact of Practical Service: Philemon's actions, whether through hospitality, financial support, or compassionate outreach, were evidently a source of great comfort and restoration to others. This speaks to the value of practical, tangible expressions of faith that meet the needs of fellow believers.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "the bowels of the saints are refreshed" might sound unusual to modern ears, but it carries significant meaning from the original Greek:

  • "Bowels" (Greek: splagchna - σπλάγχνα): In ancient thought, the "bowels" referred to the inner organs (heart, lungs, liver), which were believed to be the seat of deep emotions, affections, and compassion. Thus, "the bowels of the saints" means their deepest affections, their inner being, or their spiritual well-being. So, Philemon's love brought comfort and relief to the very core of other believers.
  • "Refreshed" (Greek: anapauō - ἀναπαύω): This word means to give rest, to refresh, to relieve from toil or distress. It suggests a sense of renewal and comfort, like finding rest after labor. Philemon's actions provided spiritual and emotional rest to those who were weary or in need. This concept is beautifully echoed in Jesus' invitation to "come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest".

Practical Application

Philemon 1:7 reminds us that our love for God is best demonstrated through our active love for one another. Are we a source of joy and consolation to our fellow believers? Do our actions refresh the spirits of those around us, particularly those who are weary or in need? This verse encourages Christians to be actively involved in supporting and uplifting the community of faith, making a tangible difference through acts of compassion, hospitality, and selfless service. Our love, like Philemon's, should be a wellspring of refreshment for the saints.

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 Corinthians 7:13

    Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

  • 2 Corinthians 7:4

    Great [is] my boldness of speech toward you, great [is] my glorying of you: I am filled with comfort, I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation.

  • 1 Thessalonians 3:9

    For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:19

    For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [Are] not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

  • 3 John 1:3

    ¶ For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.

  • 3 John 1:6

    Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well:

  • Philemon 1:20

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

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