Philemon 1:1-7
You Have Refreshed the Saints
Read the passage
1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
2to Apphia our sister, to Archippus our fellow soldier, and to the church that meets at your house:
3Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
4I always thank my God, remembering you in my prayers,
5because I hear about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints.
6I pray that your partnership in the faith may become effective as you fully acknowledge every good thing that is ours in Christ.
7I take great joy and encouragement in your love, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the saints.
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
Paul introduces himself as a prisoner of Christ Jesus and includes Timothy in the greeting. He writes to Philemon, a beloved fellow worker, and also names Apphia, Archippus and the church meeting in Philemon's house. The relationship addressed in this letter belongs within a wider fellowship of believers.
Paul thanks God for Philemon's faith in Jesus and love for all the saints. News of that love has encouraged him. Philemon has refreshed the hearts of God's people, giving Paul reason for joy even while he is imprisoned.
His prayer asks that their partnership in faith become effective as Philemon recognizes the good things they share in Christ. Christian fellowship involves more than affection. The grace they have received together should become visible in how they treat and help one another.
The appeal that follows will ask Philemon to put this faith and love into practice toward Onesimus. The opening gives a real reason for hope: Philemon has already encouraged other believers. Paul gives thanks for that work of grace and prays for its continued fruit.
Questions
1 Who is included in the letter's greeting?
AnswerPaul names Philemon, Apphia, Archippus and the church meeting in Philemon's house. His letter concerns people within a shared fellowship.
2 What has Paul heard about Philemon?
AnswerHe has heard of Philemon's faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints, which give him reason to thank God.
3 What does Paul ask for their partnership in faith?
AnswerHe prays that it will become effective as Philemon recognizes the good things they share in Christ and lives from that fellowship.
4 How has Philemon's love affected others?
AnswerHe has refreshed the hearts of believers, and hearing about it has brought Paul joy and encouragement during his imprisonment.
What This Means for Us
Tell someone how their faithful care has helped you or another believer. Give thanks to God for that person and let them hear the specific reason for your gratitude.
Think of a good thing you share with other Christians—hope, forgiveness or practical support—and ask how you can help someone experience that fellowship more fully.
Prayer
Father, thank You for believers whose love refreshes others. Make our shared faith fruitful, deepen our gratitude for Your gifts in Christ and teach us to encourage one another with sincere care. Amen.