What does Philemon 1:6 mean?

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

Explanation

Philemon 1:6 is a verse within a personal letter written by Paul to Philemon, a leader in the early Christian church. The verse focuses on the effectiveness of faith when it is accompanied by the recognition of the goodness that comes from being in Christ. Literally, Paul is expressing a wish or prayer that Philemon’s sharing of his faith may become more impactful as he fully acknowledges every good thing that he possesses in Christ Jesus. The verse suggests that acknowledging the spiritual blessings and virtues associated with being a follower of Christ can strengthen one’s faith and its outward expression.

Historical Context

Philemon is a short epistle of the New Testament, and it’s unique for being a private correspondence between Paul and a fellow Christian. Written around 60 A.D., the letter was composed while Paul was in prison, presumably in Rome. Philemon, the recipient, was a wealthy member and possibly a leader of the church in Colossae. The underlying issue of the letter is the status of Onesimus, a slave of Philemon who had run away and met Paul in Rome. Onesimus had become a Christian, and Paul sends him back to Philemon with this letter, urging reconciliation and a relationship that goes beyond the traditional master-slave dynamic, in view of their mutual faith in Christ.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, Philemon 1:6 poses insights into the nature of Christian fellowship, the transformative power of faith in Christ, and the importance of a Christian’s awareness of their new identity and blessings in Christ. Salvation can be seen not just as a state of being saved from sin, but also possessing positive benefits and characteristics that should be actively recognized and manifested within the community of faith.

Practical Applications

In practical terms, Philemon 1:6 encourages believers to be active in sharing their faith and to do so with an awareness and acknowledgement of the good they have received in Christ. This can lead to effective communication of the gospel, whereby personal testimonies can be emboldened by the visible expression of Christian virtues. It’s about recognizing and harnessing the internal spiritual transformation for external witness and fellowship.

Cross-References

• 2 Peter 1:3 (KJV): “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.”
• Galatians 5:22-23 (KJV): “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
• Ephesians 1:3 (KJV): “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.”

Language Study

The key term in the original Greek text of Philemon 1:6 is “κοινωνία” (koinonia), often translated as “communication” but more accurately reflecting the idea of fellowship or sharing in partnership. The phrase “ἡ ἐνεργὴς γένηται” (hē energēs genētai) suggests that this fellowship or sharing may “become effective” or “active,” painting the idea of a dynamic faith. The term “ἐπίγνωσις” (epignosis) denotes “acknowledging” or “full knowledge,” indicating a deep, experiential understanding of “πᾶν ἀγαθόν” (pan agathon), “every good thing,” that is in believers “ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ” (en Christō Iēsou), “in Christ Jesus.”

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse, in its call for the acknowledgment of inherent good as a result of spiritual transformation, can be contrasted with ancient mythological tales where transformation often involved divine caprice or punishment. In religious contexts, such as Buddhism, the acknowledgement of inner qualities is also found, where recognition and cultivation of virtues is important, though the source and implications of these virtues differ from the Christian understanding.

Scientific Perspectives

The verse doesn’t directly intersect with scientific understandings, as it pertains to metaphysical realities and inner spiritual experiences. However, modern psychology does explore the effects of mindset and acknowledgment of personal growth on human behavior, which could loosely parallel the idea that recognizing positive spiritual changes could affect the efficacy of faith-based practices and relational dynamics.

Commentaries

Various Bible scholars and commentators interpret Philemon 1:6 in the light of fellowship and spiritual effectiveness. John Gill noted that the communication of faith could be understood as either the act of professing faith or participating in charitable activities. He stressed that the acknowledgement of every good thing in Christ shows an experimental knowledge of grace. The Pulpit Commentary observes that it is through interaction with fellow Christians that we find the spiritual blessings meant by ‘every good thing’. Matthew Henry comments on the deep interconnectedness between being in Christ and the outworking of faith, suggesting that a vibrant faith is one that recognizes and takes full account of the believer’s relationship with Christ.