| Geneva Study Bible That the {a} communication of thy faith may become effectual by the {b} acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus. (a) By fellowship of faith, he means those duties of charity which are given to the saints, and flow from a productive faith. (b) That by this means all men may perceive how rich you are in Christ, that is, in faith, charity, and all bountifulness. People's New Testament 1:6 That the communication of thy faith. Rather, fellowship, as in the Revised Version. The Greek word is koinonia, and the prayer is that the fellowship of faith between Philemon and Onesimus may become effectual in showing forth forgiveness, which would of course be comprehended in every good thing. Here, however, the statement is general. Wesley's Notes 1:6 I pray that the communication of thy faith may become effectual - That is, that thy faith may be effectually communicated to others, who see and acknowledge thy piety and charity. Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary 6. That-The aim of my thanksgiving and prayers for thee is, in order that the, &c. the communication of thy faith-the imparting of it and its fruits (namely, acts of love and beneficence: as Heb 13:16, "to communicate," that is, to impart a share) to others; or, the liberality to others flowing from thy faith (so the Greek is translated, "liberal distribution," 2Co 9:13). effectual by-Greek, "in"; the element in which his liberality had place, that is, may be proved by acts in, &c. acknowledging-Greek, "the thorough knowledge," that is, the experimental or practical recognition. of every good thing which is in you-The oldest manuscripts read, "which is in US," that is, the practical recognition of every grace which is in us Christians, in so far as we realize the Christian character. In short, that thy faith may by acts be proved to be "a faith which worketh by love." in Christ Jesus-rather as Greek, "unto Christ Jesus," that is, to the glory of Christ Jesus. Two of the oldest manuscripts omit "Jesus." This verse answers to Phm 5, "thy love and faith toward all saints"; Paul never ceases to mention him in his prayers, in order that his faith may still further show its power in his relation to others, by exhibiting every grace which is in Christians to the glory of Christ. Thus he paves the way for the request in behalf of Onesimus. Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary 1:1-7 Faith in Christ, and love to him, should unite saints more closely than any outward relation can unite the people of the world. Paul in his private prayers was particular in remembering his friends. We must remember Christian friends much and often, as their cases may need, bearing them in our thoughts, and upon our hearts, before our God. Different sentiments and ways in what is not essential, must not make difference of affection, as to the truth. He inquired concerning his friends, as to the truth, growth, and fruitfulness of their graces, their faith in Christ, and love to him, and to all the saints. The good which Philemon did, was matter of joy and comfort to him and others, who therefore desired that he would continue and abound in good fruits, more and more, to God's honour. | 
