Effective Through Encouragement (Philemon 1:5-8)

This study was done using the Amplified Bible, which I don't have permission to publish, so I will replace the verses here with the World English Bible (a modernized version of the ASV).  Because of that some of the comments may not totally make sense because the AMP has expanded explanations.  I would highly recommend going to a site like BibleGateway.com where you can read the AMP version for free.

Philemon 1:5-8

5 hearing of your love, and of the faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints;

A.  How exactly Paul heard of the love and faith of Philemon and Apphia is unspoken.  It could have been a letter, or messenger, from his own time with them, or from heaven itself, but wherever it came from we see that Paul was pleased enough by the report to not only bless them, but commend them in this way.  One may think that Paul could be trying to butter Philemon up with this, but seeing the uncompromising character of Paul in many other places in Scripture would quickly and definitively refute that.

B.  Love toward all the saints is not something many Christians possess.  Much of the time, as much as love is talked about it is limited to friends.

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


A.  What a powerful statement and deep spiritual truth.  The effectiveness of the sharing of their faith is directly linked to the acknowledgment of the good things God has given them.  Christians so often talk about all the bad things within them in an attempt to appear humble, but this actually destroys their effectiveness in the Gospel.  Unfortunately, on the other hand, when there is a believer who takes this verse seriously and does declare the good things of Christ within themselves, they are usually accused of pride and self-righteousness.  But righteousness ("right-eousness" AKA: doing what is right) in Christ isn't self-righteousness, is Christness, which is our call and we should be open about it.  

B.  This acknowledgment isn't just the good things of God in Philemon, but just as much Paul's acknowledgment of the goodness of Christ in himself.  This is also known as encouragement.  To tell someone they are doing a good job or are gifted at something builds them up, and makes them more effective for the Kingdom.  


 7 For we have much joy and comfort in your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, brother. 


A.  We have great joy.  Paul continues not only by maintaining the effective-making encouragement, but shows how invested he is personally in the church.  The consolation is a reminder that Paul is writing this while in chains.  The knowledge that they have such great love for the church eases the pain of Paul's incarceration.  While being in prison it is likely, as is often the case in modern stories of persecution, that Paul may have had doubts about the effectiveness of his ministry.  Learning of the state of the lives and church of Philemon and his associates reassured him that he was not running in vain.  



8 Therefore though I have all boldness in Christ to command you that which is appropriate,


A.  The encouragement and greeting is now over.  Paul goes straight into his reason for writing.  The tone in turn also shifts to a more serious shade.  


B.  The apostle knew that he had the authority to command Philemon to do the right thing.  There was no doubt on this subject and he knew the recipients of this letter would not refute this fact.  His personality was a bold and fearless one, but it was also measured and controlled.  He knew when to speak boldly and when to take a softer approach.