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1 Thessalonians 1:3
Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

1 Thessalonians 2:13,19
For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye receivedit notas the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe…

1 Thessalonians 3:9
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

the bowels.

Philemon 1:20
Yea, brother, let me have joy of thee in the Lord: refresh my bowels in the Lord.

2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we were comforted in your comfort: yea, and exceedingly the more joyed we for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all.

2 Timothy 1:16
The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain:

because you, brother
The term "brother" signifies the familial relationship among Christians, transcending social and cultural boundaries. This reflects the early church's practice of viewing fellow believers as family, as seen inActs 2:44-47, where the community of believers shared everything in common. It also emphasizes the equality and unity among believers, regardless of their social status, which is a recurring theme in Paul's letters (Galatians 3:28).

have refreshed the hearts of the saints
Philemon's actions have brought spiritual renewal and comfort to fellow believers, akin to providing rest and relief. This mirrors the concept of hospitality and support within the early Christian communities, as seen inHebrews 13:2, where believers are encouraged to show hospitality to strangers. The term "saints" refers to all Christians, indicating that Philemon's influence extends beyond his immediate circle, contributing to the broader mission of the church. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized serving others as a reflection of one's faith (Matthew 25:35-40).

Paul begins by sharing that the news about Philemon fills him with gladness. Joy is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22), and here it springs from seeing God’s grace at work in another believer. Similar rejoicing appears inPhilippians 1:4 where Paul prays “with joy for all of you,” and in 3John 4: “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” Paul’s delight is not rooted in circumstances but in the evidence of Christ’s love flowing through Philemon.

Paul adds that he is also “encouraged” (comforted, strengthened). Encouragement is a gift believers share to build each other up (1 Thessalonians 5:11). In2 Corinthians 1:4–7 Paul speaks of God “who comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort those in any trouble.” Hearing of Philemon’s faithfulness lifts Paul’s spirit while he is in chains, reminding him that the gospel is still bearing fruit (Colossians 1:6).

Philemon’s love is the cause of Paul’s joy and encouragement. His love is not abstract; it shows up in practical mercy toward fellow believers.Colossians 1:4 notes “the love you have for all the saints,” and1 John 3:18 urges, “let us love not with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” Philemon’s house likely hosted a church (Philemon 2), making his home a place where love could be seen and felt.

Paul’s affectionate address—“brother”—highlights their shared family bond in Christ (Romans 8:16–17). Spiritual kinship cuts across social status; though Paul is an apostle and Philemon a wealthy householder, they stand on equal footing before the Lord (Galatians 3:28). Calling him “brother” prepares the ground for Paul’s later appeal to receive Onesimus no longer as a slave but “more than a slave—a beloved brother” (Philemon 16).

“Refreshed” pictures rest for weary souls. Jesus invites, “Come to Me… and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Philemon becomes the Lord’s instrument to extend that rest to others. In1 Corinthians 16:17–18, Stephanas and his companions “refreshed my spirit and yours,” and Paul urges, “recognize such men.” Practical ways Philemon likely refreshed believers include:

• Opening his home for worship and fellowship

• Providing food, lodging, or financial help (Acts 2:44–45)

• Offering wise counsel and intercession (James 5:16)

• Standing with the persecuted (Hebrews 10:34)

Such care lifted burdens and renewed courage, allowing the saints to press on in faith.

Philemon 1:7 shows Paul overflowing with happiness and strength because Philemon’s tangible, Christ-like love has brought spiritual rest to fellow believers. The verse celebrates the power of everyday acts of kindness to gladden hearts, encourage gospel workers, and refresh the church.

(1) their bodily wants, the cravings of their hunger; or

(2) their hearts and affections, supplied and satisfied by the good deeds of Philemon.

This is another peculiarly Pauline expression (see2 Corinthians 6:12;2 Corinthians 7:15-these two are very similarly used in Vers. 7, 12, 20 - and three other places). "Torefresh the bowels is (in Paul) to be taken as meaning a lightening of troubles, so that they may rest with minds free from all sorrow and annoyance" (Calvin).Brother. How persuasively the sentence is turned! An old commentator remarks, "Paul does not yet come to his request, but prepares and softens beforehand the mind of Philemon" (Scipio Gentilis). This course of proceeding is exactly what Quintilian prescribes to an advocate, "His velut fomentis, si quid erit asperum, praemolliemus, quo facilius aures judicum admittant" ('De Institut. Orat.,' 4:3).

Parallel Commentaries ...