Philemon 4-7: Philemon's Character
Philemon's gospel-transformation has led to the hearts of the saints being refreshed
Teaching Notes
Outline
Philemon 1-3 - Greetings
Philemon 4-7 - Philemon’s Character
Purpose of Philemon
Paul wrote Philemon requesting a transformed relationship between him and Onesimus
Main point of Philemon 4-7
Philemon 4-5 - Philemon’s Character
I thank my God always when I remember you in my prayers,
I thank my God always
② to express appreciation for benefits or blessings, give thanks, express thanks, render/return thanks
1. always — at all times; all the time and on every occasion.
When I remember you in my prayers
1. mention (memory) — a remark concerning someone called into recollection; especially a statement made to God in prayer.
13. to do for oneself — to perform an action or course of action; especially as for one’s own benefit.
① petition addressed to deity, prayer
Because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints,
Chiastic structure
Because I hear of your love and of the faith that you have
③ to receive news or information about someth., learn about someth.
① the quality of warm regard for and interest in another, esteem, affection, regard, love
1. trust (faith) — strong confidence in, and reliance upon, someone or something; often with the object of trust understood.
The present tense of echō (you have) demonstrates the continuous nature of Philemon’s concern for the Lord. His unwavering faith gave Paul confidence in his willingness to forgive.
Toward the Lord Jesus and for all the saints
2. holy one (person) — a person who is morally pure; though possibly not to the exclusion of ritual purity.
Philemon 6 - Paul’s Prayer
And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective
1. participation fellowship — the act of sharing in the activities or privileges of an intimate association or group; especially used of marriage and churches.
Koinōnia (fellowship) is difficult to render precisely in English. It is usually translated “fellowship,” but it means much more than merely enjoying each other’s company. It refers to a mutual sharing of all life, and could be translated “belonging.”
■ 6* The thanksgiving leads directly into the petition:18 that the κοινωνία “of the faith” of Philemon might also be effective in the future. The Greek word κοινωνία, therefore, does not mean fellowship here, but participation. Philemon shares in the common faith.20
2. trust in the gospel — trust in Jesus as contained in the content of the Gospel.
1. effective — producing or capable of producing an intended result.
For the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us
For the full knowledge
1. personal recognition — coming to understand something clearly and distinctly or as true and valid; often with a personal acquaintance that necessitates a positive or negative reaction.
Of every good thing
1. good (moral concept) — moral excellence or admirableness.
That is in us
For the sake of Christ.
Philemon 7 - Saints Refreshed
For I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother,
⑦ to experience someth., have
1. to have — to have or possess, either in a concrete or an abstract sense.
5. much (quantifier) — (quantifier used with mass nouns) great in quantity or degree or extent.
① the experience of gladness
③ lifting of another’s spirits, comfort, consolation
3. consolation (source) — a source of comfort a person feels when consoled in times of disappointment.
Because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.
1. compassion ⇔ bowels — a deeply felt compassion; characteristic of the psychological feature understood as the bowels.
2. holy one (person) — a person who is morally pure; though possibly not to the exclusion of ritual purity.
① to cause someone to gain relief from toil, trans. (mid.: ApcEsdr 1:12 p. 25, 5) cause to rest, give (someone) rest, refresh, revive
3. to be given rest — to be caused to take a break from activities in order to be refreshed.