I always thank my GodThis phrase reflects the Apostle Paul's consistent practice of gratitude and prayer. Paul often begins his letters with thanksgiving, which is a common feature in his epistles (e.g.,
Romans 1:8,
1 Corinthians 1:4,
Philippians 1:3). This practice underscores the importance of gratitude in the Christian life, emphasizing a personal relationship with God. The use of "my God" indicates a personal and intimate connection with the divine, reflecting the covenant relationship between God and believers. This phrase also sets the tone for the letter, highlighting the positive and affectionate relationship Paul has with Philemon.
remembering you in my prayers
Paul's remembrance of Philemon in his prayers indicates the deep bond and fellowship shared among early Christians. This practice of intercessory prayer is a key aspect of Christian community life, as seen in other scriptures likeEphesians 1:16 andColossians 1:3. It reflects the communal nature of the early church, where believers supported one another spiritually. The act of remembering in prayer also suggests a continuous and ongoing commitment to Philemon's well-being and spiritual growth. This phrase highlights the importance of prayer in maintaining and strengthening relationships within the body of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
PaulThe apostle who authored the letter to Philemon. He is writing from prison, demonstrating his commitment to the ministry even in difficult circumstances.
2.
PhilemonA Christian leader and the primary recipient of the letter. He is known for his love and faith, and he hosts a church in his home.
3.
GodThe object of Paul's thanksgiving, highlighting the centrality of God in Paul's life and ministry.
4.
PrayerA significant practice in Paul's life, reflecting his dependence on God and his pastoral care for others.
5.
ThanksgivingAn expression of gratitude, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters, showing his appreciation for the work of God in the lives of believers.
Teaching Points
The Importance of ThanksgivingCultivate a heart of gratitude by regularly thanking God for the people He has placed in your life.
The Power of PrayerMake prayer a consistent practice, interceding for others and seeking God's guidance and blessing in their lives.
Remembering Others in PrayerDevelop a habit of remembering others in your prayers, acknowledging their contributions to your spiritual journey.
The Role of EncouragementUse your words to encourage and uplift others, as Paul does with Philemon, recognizing their faith and love.
The Example of PaulFollow Paul's example of maintaining a positive and thankful attitude, even in challenging circumstances.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Philemon 1:4?
2.How can we incorporate gratitude in our daily prayers like Paul in Philemon 1:4?
3.What does Paul's thankfulness for Philemon teach us about Christian fellowship?
4.How does Philemon 1:4 connect with 1 Thessalonians 5:18 on giving thanks?
5.In what ways can we express appreciation for fellow believers in our lives?
6.How does Philemon 1:4 inspire us to recognize others' faith and love?
7.How does Philemon 1:4 reflect the importance of gratitude in Christian relationships?
8.What historical context influenced Paul's message in Philemon 1:4?
9.How does Philemon 1:4 demonstrate the power of prayer in the early church?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philemon 1?
11.What is the significance of the Prayer of Jabez?
12.Philemon 1:3-7 - How do we reconcile Paul's pleas for Christian love with his failure to explicitly reject the institution of slavery?
13.Why does Psalm 34:17-18 promise God hears and delivers the righteous but seem to conflict with other passages describing unanswered prayers?
14.How can I engage in a guided Christian prayer?What Does Philemon 1:4 Mean
I always thankPaul’s first words convey continual gratitude. “I always thank” shows a settled habit, not a passing mood.
•1 Thessalonians 1:2: “We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.”
•Ephesians 1:16: “I do not cease to give thanks for you.”
•1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Living thankfully…
- Softens the heart toward God and people
- Sustains joy even from prison (Philippians 1:13–14)
- Declares confidence in God’s ongoing work in others
my GodThe phrase is personal. Paul’s relationship with the Lord is intimate and covenantal.
•Philippians 4:19: “And my God will supply all your needs.”
•Psalm 23:1: “The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
•Galatians 2:20: “The life I now live… I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Implications:
- God is near, not distant
- Personal fellowship fuels gratitude
- Saying “my God” confesses both dependence and allegiance
remembering youPaul’s gratitude is focused: he calls Philemon to mind.
•Romans 1:9: “How constantly I remember you.”
•2 Timothy 1:3: “Night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.”
•Hebrews 6:10: “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work.”
Practical cues:
- Call people by name before the Lord
- Recalling others’ faithfulness encourages them (Philippians 1:5)
- Memory becomes ministry, stirring action on their behalf
in my prayersThanksgiving leads to intercession. Paul moves from praise to petition.
•Colossians 1:9: “We have not stopped praying for you.”
•Ephesians 1:16: “Remembering you in my prayers.”
•James 5:16: “Pray for one another… The prayer of a righteous man has great power.”
Traits of Paul’s prayers:
- Consistent: he prays “always” and “without ceasing”
- Specific: later (Philemon 1:6) he asks for Philemon’s effective witness
- Unifying: prayer links believers despite distance and circumstance
summaryPhilemon 1:4 sketches a model of Christian friendship: constant gratitude, personal intimacy with “my God,” affectionate remembrance, and faithful intercession. The verse invites every believer to cultivate a thankful heart, walk closely with the Lord, keep brothers and sisters in mindful love, and labor for them in steadfast prayer.
(4)
I thank my God . . .--Note the almost exact verbal coincidence with the salutations in
Ephesians 1:15-16;
Philippians 1:3-4;
Colossians 1:3-4, with, however, the natural distinction that this is briefer and simpler in style.
Verse 4. -
I thank my God always. We ought, therefore, to thank God, not only for gifts bestowed upon ourselves, but also for those bestowed upon others. This is an habitual phrase of St. Paul (comp.
Romans 1:8;
1 Corinthians 1:4;
Ephesians 1:16;
Philippians 1:3;
1 Thessalonians 1:2;
2 Thessalonians 1:3;
2 Timothy 1:3). "It is to be noted that for the thing on account of which he gives thanks, he at the same time prays" (Calvin). For no good work is ever so complete in us that it does not need to be "continued and ended" in us by God.
Making mention of thee in my prayers. The foregoing remark attain applies. Grotius observes that "we learn from this that all addresses to God may be
called prayersπροσευχὰς, even those in which nothing is asked but thanks are given." But this is apparently not such a case; the petition which St. Paul offered for Philemon being stated in Ver. 6. And thus Chrysostom explains the passage. "Always" may be connected with "I thank," or with "making mention," preferably the former (Chrysostom, Theophylact, Calvin, Lightfoot).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek
I always thankΕὐχαριστῶ(Eucharistō)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2168:From eucharistos; to be grateful, i.e. to express gratitude; specially, to say grace at a meal.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.God,Θεῷ(Theō)Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316:A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.makingποιούμενος(poioumenos)Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4160:(a) I make, manufacture, construct, (b) I do, act, cause. Apparently a prolonged form of an obsolete primary; to make or do.mentionμνείαν(mneian)Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3417:Remembrance, recollection, mention; commemoration. From mnaomai or mimnesko; recollection; by implication, recital.of youσου(sou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771:You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.inἐπὶ(epi)Preposition
Strong's 1909:On, to, against, on the basis of, at.myμου(mou)Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473:I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.prayers,προσευχῶν(proseuchōn)Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 4335:From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.
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NT Letters: Philemon 1:4 I thank my God always making mention (Phm Phl)