11 Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timotheus the brother, to Philemon our beloved and fellow-worker, 2 and Apphia the beloved, and Archippus our fellow-soldier, and the assembly in thy house: 3 Grace to you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ!
4 I give thanks to my God, always making mention of thee in my prayers, 5 hearing of thy love and faith that thou hast unto the Lord Jesus and toward all the saints, 6 that the fellowship of thy faith may become working in the full knowledge of every good thing that 'is' in you toward Christ Jesus; 7 for we have much joy and comfort in thy love, because the bowels of the saints have been refreshed through thee, brother.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philemon 1:1-7
Commentary on Philemon 1:1-7
(Read Philemon 1:1-7)
Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour.